The Nordic-Korea Next Generation Training Program 2025/2026 has reached its completion

February 16, 2026: The Nordic-Korea Next Generation Training Program 2025/2026 has reached its completion. On Thursday, February 12th, the culmination of this year’s program took place as the four outstanding participants presented their research findings. Sponsored by The Korea Foundation, the program aims to foster the next generation of policy experts and strengthen the ties between the Nordic region and the Korean Peninsula.

ISDP was deeply honoured to have His Excellency, Ambassador Lee Hyung-Jong from the South Korean Embassy in Sweden, attend the presentations. The Ambassador’s presence and his thoughtful engagement with the participants’ proposed policies underscored the vital importance of this dialogue and the strength of Korean-Nordic relations.

Over the past few months, the participants have worked diligently, supported by their mentors, to develop policy papers on critical issues facing the Korean Peninsula. Their research, now compiled in the booklet “The Future of Korean Research from a Nordic Perspective”, offered sharp analysis and forward-thinking recommendations on topics ranging from geopolitical strategy to demographic security.

This year’s participants and their research topics are:
– Maija Palomäki (Finland): Demographic Security and Policy Innovation: Lessons from Finland and South Korea on Fertility.
– Felipe Branner (Denmark): Re-Engaging Russia: South Korea’s Necessary Challenge?
– Anna Haj Lyngholm Andersen (Denmark): Engaging Young Men in Fixing the Problem of Korea’s Low Birth Rate.
– Isabella Tanevski (Sweden): Social Resilience as Security: Sweden-Korea Cooperation for Intergenerational Stability.