Dear Honorable Delegates from Member Cities, Distinguished Guests, and Esteemed Attendees,

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your presence at the Inaugural Ceremony of the Global Innopolis Network Initiative (GINI) and the Global Innopolis Forum here in Daejeon, the science capital of Korea and a leading economic powerhouse.

In an era where cities face increasingly complex challenges related to sustainable development and citizen well-being, collaboration is more essential than ever. Daejeon Metropolitan City has been working diligently to create a pioneering platform for intercity cooperation with cities renowned for their economic and scientific excellence. This initiative is designed to address global challenges and drive sustainable economic growth collectively.

We are excited to announce that Daejeon (South Korea), Dortmund (Germany), Málaga (Spain), Montgomery (MD, USA), and Seattle (USA) are coming together to launch the GINI.

The GINI marks a significant advancement in our commitment to leveraging our unique strengths and competencies. By providing a comprehensive platform for universities, companies, and research institutes to collaborate, the GINI transcends mere exchanges among local governments, setting new standards for global city cooperation and delivering practical, mutual benefits.

We eagerly anticipate your valuable insights on the role of the GINI and potential collaborative opportunities during the Global Innopolis Forum and the Leaders Assembly, which will take place today and tomorrow.

Thank you once again for your engagement and support. We look forward to your continued involvement with the GINI.

Warm regards,

September 3. 2024.
Mayor of Daejeon City, Jang-woo Lee