The KOICA WeKO program is a program that promotes ODA and KOICA worldwide through various promotional activities. It aims to present the direction of KOICA’s communication from a global citizen’s perspective while serving as KOICA’s Global Correspondent. For the KOICA 7th program, 100 people were selected to be KOICA WeKO supporters, after series of applications and interviews. The activities officially began in August with the WeKO kick-off opening ceremony held on August 8th, 2025, at 2 PM KST. The WeKO 7th opening ceremony, offline/ onsite Kick-Off Ceremony was held at the KOICA HQ, 2F Auditorium and the Online version was done via Zoom. From the 25th to 27th of August 2025, I conducted an interview with 7 Participants from Nigeria, Egypt, Sri Lanka,  Philippine, Mexico and Lao PDR about the KOICA WeKO supporters program Kick-off Opening Ceremony, their experience and goals via email, WhatsApp and Instagram.

KOICA stands for Korea International Cooperation Agency, which is a Korean government agency established in 1991, while WeKO stands for We are KOICA. At the WeKO Kick-off Opening Ceremony, it was announced that there were 100 participants selected for the WeKO 7th Program, which comprises 40 domestic participants (11 teams) and 60 global participants from 42 countries which totalling 100 members.

Interview with I am Imesha Kavindi from Colombo, Sri Lanka

Please, can you introduce yourself?

My name is Imesha Kavindi from Colombo, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation in South Asia, known for its rich culture, warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes.

How did you hear about the KOICA WeKO Global Ambassador program, and why did you join?

 I first learned about the KOICA WEKO Global Ambassador program through KOICA Sri Lanka Office, where I work full-time. I decided to join because I wanted to represent my country, learn more about Korea and connect with global youth who share the same passion for building bridges between cultures. I also felt this program would give me an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while contributing to KOICA's mission.

What was your experience in the WeKO online kick-off ceremony 

The Online Kick-off ceremony was a meaningful experience. I felt very inspired listening to the introduction and messages from KOICA, and it was exciting to get to know fellow ambassadors from around the world. Even though it was online, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming, and I could already sense the global connection this program creates.

What are your goals for the upcoming activities?

Simply, my main goal is to actively promote understanding between KOICA's work and the involvement in my home country. I want to share stories, create meaningful content and highlight the ways our countries can learn from each other.

Interview with Melanie Valencia Galicia, from Mexico

Please, can you introduce yourself?

Hello, my name is Melanie Valencia Galicia, from Mexico. My country is known for its cultural richness, beautiful landscapes, and warm people, and I am proud to represent it abroad.

How did you hear about the KOICA WeKO Global Ambassador program, and why did you join?

I learned about the KOICA WeKO Global Ambassador program through social media. In addition to my interest in global politics, I joined because I wanted to share Mexico’s culture, promote KOICA’s mission, and learn from global experiences.

What was your experience in the WeKO online kick-off ceremony?

The kick-off ceremony was really inspiring. Meeting supporters from different countries and having the chance to represent us in front of KOICA’s president and other officials showed me the power of global collaboration and motivated me to give my best.

What are your goals for the upcoming activities?

My goals are to promote KOICA creatively, strengthen cultural ties between Mexico and Korea, and work closely with fellow WeKO supporters to create meaningful impact.

Interview with Kadishi Oliseh from Nigeria

Please, can you introduce yourself?

Hello, my name is Kadishi Oliseh from Nigeria. I am glad to be a member of the WeKO 7th. I was one of the two Nigerians selected as KOICA Nigeria Global Ambassador. I am a researcher and a Doctoral student of Economic History.

How did you hear about the KOICA WeKO Global Ambassador program, and why did you join?

I learned about the KOICA WeKO Global Ambassador program through KOICA Nigeria's Instagram and Facebook advertisement posts. I joined KOICA Global Supporter's WeKO program, as it aligns with my passion for Official Development Assistance (ODA) and global development. I have developed a deep interest in exploring the intersections of economic development, culture, and global cooperation. I am also a Korean culture enthusiast. So, being part of WeKO gives me a purpose and an opportunity to contribute to KOICA's mission, promote its values, and learn from its initiatives.

What was your experience in the WeKO online kick-off ceremony ?

My experience at the Online Kick-off ceremony was amazing, I got to learn more about the program and the activities, values and impact of KOICA. I also got to interact with other KOICA WeKO supporters.

What are your goals for the upcoming activities?

My goal is to amplify KOICA's, efforts, impacts and activities outcomes in my country and around the world. To do my Best to contribute to KOICA's mission, promote its values,  KOICA ODA and create meaningful, informative and impactful content on SDGs and ODAs. 

Interview with Luke Mariano from  Philippine

Please, can you introduce yourself?

My name is Luke Mariano, and I’m honored to serve as the sole Philippine Global Ambassador for KOICA’s 2025 WeKO program. I’m passionate about development cooperation, cultural exchange, and promoting KOICA’s ODA initiatives in the Philippines.

How did you hear about the KOICA WeKO Global Ambassador program, and why did you join?

I learned about the WeKO program through KOICA’s official channels and my involvement with KOICA-related initiatives. I joined because I believe in KOICA’s mission to foster sustainable development and wanted to amplify its impact in the Philippines.

What was your experience in the WeKO online kick-off ceremony ?

The online kick-off ceremony was an inspiring experience. Hearing the welcome remarks from KOICA’s President and connecting with fellow ambassadors from around the world motivated me to actively promote ODA and Korea’s development efforts in my country

What are your goals for the upcoming activities?

I aim to create engaging and informative content about KOICA’s projects in the Philippines, highlight their impact, and encourage youth participation in development initiatives.

Interview with Salma Hekal from Egypt

Please, can you introduce yourself ?

My name is Salma Hekal, and I am from Egypt, a country well-known for its ancient civilization, rich culture, and warm hospitality. I am very passionate about cultural exchange and international cooperation, which is why I was excited to be part of this program.

How did you hear about the KOICA WeKO Global Ambassador program, and why did you join?

I first heard about the KOICA WeKO Global Ambassador program through an online announcement. I joined because I strongly believe in KOICA’s mission of promoting global friendship and mutual understanding. I also wanted to gain international experience, share Egypt’s culture, and connect with other passionate young leaders around the world.

What was your experience in the WeKO online kick-off ceremony ?

The online kick-off ceremony was very exciting. I enjoyed meeting ambassadors from different countries and learning more about KOICA.

Interview With Rosemary Edor from Nigeria

Please, can you introduce yourself ?

My name is Rosemary Edor, from Nigeria

How did you hear about the KOICA WeKO Global Ambassador program, and why did you join?

I saw the ad on the official KOICA NG page and went to learn more from the official KOICA page. Joined because it is in line with my academic interests ( Diplomacy and Nation-State collaborations.

What was your experience in the WeKO online kick-off ceremony ?

It was super cool to see people with the same interests all over the world in one place. Meeting the different teams and other WeKO participants, too, was amazing.

What are your goals for the upcoming activities?

To learn more about KOICA and Korea’s ODA as a whole, while educating others about it, too.

Interview with Silikith Phasawath from Lao PDR

Please, can you introduce yourself ?

My name is Silikith Phasawath from Lao PDR

How did you hear about the KOICA WeKO Global Ambassador program, and why did you join?

I joined this program because I want to give back to KOICA since that helped my country a lot with its ODA

What was your experience in the WeKO online/On-Site kick-off ceremony ?

My experience in the WeKO on-site ceremony was very welcome! I met global friends, visited KOICA office for the first time, and it was really good

What are your goals for the upcoming activities?

My goal is to make people in my country get to know more about KOICA ODA. 

The KOICA WeKO supporters program is a program that promotes ODA and KOICA worldwide through various promotional activities. The selected global supporters are excited to have the opportunity to be part of this Global Ambassador program. Through this interview, we have seen how six selected participants viewed the KOICA WeKO kick-off opening ceremony, which was held onsite and also online, It was an informative and fun event that gave more insight of the  KOICA WeKO program and it also allowed other supporters to meet  the global friends.