By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI, President & CEO Martin Henkelmann) and Sungjoo Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Sungjoo Group Building on December 13, 2024.
 
The MoU marks a significant step in fostering collaboration for KGCCI’s “Women In koRea” (WIR) mentorship program, an initiative dedicated to empowering women leadership and advancing gender equality in society.

Under this partnership, KGCCI and the Sungjoo Foundation will co-organize workshops, exhibition, and activities under the WIR mentorship program; collaborate on Sungjoo Foundation’s events to amplify shared goals; exchange information about their respective activities and CSR projects; and conduct joint marketing and promotional efforts to extend the reach and impact of their programs.
 
The Sungjoo Foundation, a long-standing sponsor of the Global Summit of Women (GSW) for over 20 years, has provided a platform for women leaders worldwide to exchange opinions in various fields such as economy, culture, and society. Notably, the 2025 GSW will take place in Berlin, Germany, from July 3–5, bringing together leaders to discuss strategies and solutions for advancing women's economic opportunities.
 
Dr. Martin Henkelmann, KGCCI President & CEO and Co-Chair WIR Group, emphasized the potential impact and vision for the collaboration, saying, “This partnership represents a transformative leap toward fostering a more inclusive and dynamic business environment, where women not only lead but also drive meaningful change. It lays the groundwork for expanding the reach and impact of the WIR mentorship program, by harnessing the synergies with one of Korea’s leading advocates for women’s empowerment.”
 
Youngmi Kim, Representative of the Sungjoo Foundation, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “We are confident that this partnership with KGCCI’s WIR will further advance the Sungjoo Foundation’s mission of nurturing and empowering global women talents.”
 
The KGCCI, WIR group is a cross-industry, cross-national network that empowers young professional women in Korea to unlock their leadership potential and accelerate value-driven leadership with focus on gender, generations and geography. Launched in 2018, WIR mentorship program has been serving as a platform for building a strong and sustainable network fostering collaboration, and addressing challenges faced by women leaders in today’s dynamic business environment. Rooted in the belief that mentorship is a reciprocal exchange, WIR encourages participants—regardless of their background or professional standing—to share insights and learn from each other.