“Uncertain international circumstances and enlightened self-interest help prevent greater losses.”
“The ones suffering from the political conflict are the patients… Hope the government and the medical community resolve this through dialogue.”
 
[MedigateNews] Amid rising political uncertainty in international affairs and a deepening global economic downturn, Save the Children Korea Chairman, Joon Oh, emphasized the importance of “enlightened self-interest.” He stated, “The term ‘enlightened self-interest’ is often used in the international community. Every nation is acting in its favor and pursues policies in its own national interest, but only those giving financial gain should not be the areas of interests for those nations” and he reiterated the ongoing need for international aid and support.
 
Chairman Oh also addressed the ongoing political conflict within the country, emphasizing the importance of unity by stating, “We must recognize, as a society, that the ones ultimately suffering from this situation are the children. We must place high priority on ensuring that the next generation is protected and able to grow up in a healthy, safe environment.”
 
Save the Children is a global NGO with a 100-year history, founded on the belief that children must be respected as individuals with their own rights. Currently active in 114 countries across six continents, the organization collaborates with local NGOs, governments, and communities to design and implement programs. Grounded in objective evidence, Save the Children identifies the root causes of child rights violations and carries out humanitarian aid and development cooperation initiatives. Its core areas of work include survival, protection, education, advocacy, and emergency relief. Above all, the organization operates beyond the boundaries of religion, race, nationality, and political ideology, with the sole mission of safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.
 
Chairman Oh graduated from the Department of French Language and Literature at Seoul National University and went on to earn a master’s degree in International Policy Studies from Stanford University in the United States. He entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after passing the 12th Foreign Service Examination and has since held various key diplomatic positions, including Ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador to Singapore, Director-General for Multilateral Affairs, and Foreign Ministry Coordinator. He has also served as a Public Relations Ambassador for the PyeongChang Winter Paralympics, Visiting Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Professor at the Graduate School of Peace and Welfare at Kyung Hee University, and Adjunct Professor at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management.
 
Below is the Question and Answer with Chairman Oh.
 
-You have been the Chairman of Save the Children Korea since July 2018, marking your seventh year in the role this coming July. Please tell us your most memorable contributions.

Save the Children can be described as the oldest NGO in the world. It was founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb, who was moved by the suffering of children during World War I. She believed that children are the future of humanity and must be protected regardless of nationality or religion. Now, 106 years later, Save the Children continues to operate as a non-governmental organization, making it one of the longest-standing NGOs in the world. At its core, the organization places the highest priority on protecting children—transcending borders, nationalities, and religions.
 
Since assuming the role of Chairman in July 2018 (with a maximum term of three 3-year periods, totaling nine years), Save the Children Korea has shown steady growth. In terms of budget alone, the annual revenue was approximately KRW 60 billion when I first took office, and by 2023, it had increased to KRW 100 billion—a 70% growth.
The organization has grown not only in size but also in the scope and impact of its work. In 2019, we garnered significant public attention through a series of events commemorating Save the Children’s 100th anniversary. In 2023, we hosted the Global Assembly in Korea, bringing together Save the Children representatives from 30 countries.
Domestically, we focused on tackling the issue of child abuse. Over the past five to six years, we have actively worked to improve institutional responses to child abuse and advocated for the removal of Article 915 of the Civil Act—commonly known as the "right to discipline"—which was often misinterpreted as allowing corporal punishment of children.
Another important achievement was the introduction of a universal birth registration system. In the past, a child's birth had to be reported by the parents for it to be legally recognized. Now, with a revision in the law, births can be automatically registered by hospitals. This reform helps fill the gap in the previous system and ensures that every child born is registered and protected without being left behind.
 
- You have been appointed as the Board Member. What is your role in the position? What is current status of Korea?
 
Save the Children currently has organizations in 30 countries and operates programs in 114 countries. With fundraising and operations across various nations, there was a need for an international council to oversee the strategic planning of global operations and manage global campaigns. As a result, the International Federation was established in Geneva, Switzerland. Currently, I am serving as one of the 17 Board Members of the International Federation. I completed my term from 2019 to 2021, and after a hiatus following the pandemic, I was re-elected to the position through a subsequent election.
 
Among the 30 countries where Save the Children operates, Korea ranks as the 8th largest in terms of size, making it one of the most significant. In Asia, Korea is the largest, even surpassing Japan. Excluding the United States and Europe, Korea is one of the most active and dynamic branches in the world.
 
- There are international issues related to child health caused by war and conflicts. What are the biggest current issues in child health?
 
According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, there are four fundamental rights of children: survival, protection, development (education), and participation. Among these, for developing countries, the most critical task is to realize the rights to survival and protection of children.

However, the infant mortality rate remains high in developing countries. Every year, 5 to 6 million children die from preventable diseases. The lack of vaccination and malnutrition are the most significant issues in developing countries, where survival itself remains a major challenge. In particular, many children in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, have died from malnutrition and hunger due to the ongoing conflict, and those who survive are facing severe food insecurity.
 
On the other hand, mental health is a significant issue for child health in South Korea. According to the Child Happiness Index survey led by Save the Children, South Korea ranks near the bottom. This is due to the excessive academic competition and pressure, which leave children with little time to play or rest.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) clearly states that one of the children's rights is the right to play. While it acknowledges the right to rest and play, we are failing to adequately ensure this right and are raising children in a highly competitive educational environment. As a result, South Korea ranks at the bottom in terms of child and adolescent happiness. According to a survey by Save the Children in 2021, South Korea ranked 31st out of 35 countries and was at the bottom in subjective well-being among 22 OECD countries. Additionally, the leading cause of death among teenagers is suicide, which highlights how the excessive competitive environment in Korean society is threatening children’s mental health.
South Korea has the highest youth mortality rate, elderly suicide rate, and overall suicide rate in the world. This issue requires careful consideration. Society must seriously reflect on the fact that the intense competitive environment is damaging children’s mental health.
 
- It seems that fundraising will be difficult due to the economic downturn and political uncertainty. Are there any solutions to this issue?
 
If the economic downturn and uncertainty continue, government and individual donations will inevitably decrease. While the recession and uncertainty are significant challenges, one silver lining is that Korean society has a spirit of solidarity to help those in need during difficult times. A good example is the gold collection movement during the IMF crisis. I believe that through our unique national spirit, we can overcome these tough times.
 
- The medical crisis due to political conflicts has been ongoing for over a year. What is its impact on child health?
 
The shortage of pediatricians has been a serious issue even before the political conflict, and this crisis has resulted in cases where children are not receiving appropriate treatment. As a result, it could affect infant mortality rates and child health. This calls for reflection from our generation.
 
This issue needs to be addressed through serious consultation between the government, medical professionals, and experts to determine the necessary number of medical school admissions. However, the government is pushing its agenda unilaterally, while the medical community is resisting, leading to further conflict. As a result of the adults' conflicts, the fundamental rights of children, such as survival and protection, are not being realized. Ultimately, it is the children who suffer in this process. Our society must take this issue seriously. We must prioritize ensuring that the children, who are responsible for the next generation, grow up healthy and protected.
 
- Any last comments you would like to give to the medical doctors?
 
Doctors play a crucial role in protecting lives and safeguarding health. I especially ask for your continued attention and efforts to protect the lives and health of children, who are the hope of the next generation.