Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se called on the National Assembly Thursday to help the government achieve the United Nations' new development goals, saying it is time South Korea expands its contributions to the international community.

Last month, the U.N. adopted a set of sustainable development goals to end poverty and protect the planet over the next 15 years.

South Korea vowed to donate $200 million in aid to help improve health and education for girls in developing countries.

"Our government will effectively mobilize all of our abilities and financial resources for the fulfillment of the SDGs both at home and abroad under the belief that their achievement is an investment in the future and a momentum for social change," Yun said at a development symposium held at the Assembly. "I ask for the National Assembly's active support in this process."

Yun also said he believes South Korea should eagerly share its development know-how and use it to create a model for development around the world.

World leaders attending last month's U.N. Sustainable Development Summit in New York expressed high expectations for South Korea, a nation that has transformed itself from an aid recipient to a donor, he added. (Yonhap)