Lee said he believes Korea is a good example of how education “plays a central role” in economic growth.

“Just 60 years ago, Korea was one of the poorest countries and many people describe Korea’s economic development as a miracle,” he said during the speech.

“But it was no miracle, and the education was and is the major driving force.”

Lee addressed some of the government’s polices for future education, such as the Smart Education initiative, the World Class University program.

Some 500 officials across the world are participating at the country’s first-ever APEC Education Ministerial Meeting.

The participants are expected to issue a joint statement on the final day. Lee noted earlier that Korea would play a pivotal role in setting the agenda for the meeting in cooperation with participating nations.

Korea elevated its global status following the success of the G20 summit in 2010 and the nuclear security summit in March this year. By hosting the APEC education ministerial meeting, Korea is aiming not only to elevate the country’s educational sector, but also to take a leading role in global educational reform, the ministry said.

The APEC Education Ministerial Meeting was first launched in 1992, and has convened every four years since 2000.

“We must have a concrete agreement through this meeting and I believe and hope we will make meaningful progress,” Lee added.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)