Seoul City Advances to Finals of Global Urban Policy Competition… Digital Sexual Crime Response Policy Recognized as 'Global Standard'
Under the leadership of Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Seoul City has showcased a strong presence in the policy competition among major cities around the world.
In the '2025 Global Mayors Challenge,' which saw participation from 630 cities worldwide, Seoul's 'Integrated Response Policy for Digital Sexual Crimes Against Children and Youth' reached the finals, earning a prize of $50,000 (approximately 70 million KRW).
Hosted by the Bloomberg Foundation… Seoul City Reaches Finals in Its First Attempt
The 'Global Mayors Challenge' is an international policy competition organized by the American Bloomberg Philanthropies, featuring innovative policies led by mayors of cities with a population of over 100,000. Known as the 'Olympics of Public Administration,' this competition is regarded as one of the most prestigious events where cities around the globe compete for policy capabilities.
This is Seoul's first attempt at the competition, and the city was selected as one of 50 finalists, overcoming a high competition rate of 13 to 1. Finalist cities receive various follow-up support, including consulting collaboration with Harvard University for policy implementation and global network training, along with the prize money.
Mayor Oh Se-hoon reportedly submitted a video message introducing Seoul’s policy vision and execution will aligning with the competition's focus on mayor-led policies.
AI-Based Victim Support System, International Standards Following the 'Nth Room' Incident
Seoul's 'Integrated Response Policy for Digital Sexual Crimes Against Children and Youth' incorporates a one-stop victim support system that connects counseling to legal, medical, and psychological services with just one phone call. The introduction of AI-based video removal technology to proactively address digital sexual crimes, including deepfakes, has also been highly praised.
The Bloomberg Foundation commended, "Seoul's policy sets a new standard for public policies that combine innovation and urgency." Mayor Oh has designated this issue as a core concern for Seoul since the 'Nth Room' incident and has continuously refined the policy in collaboration with the Seoul Institute and the Women and Family Foundation. Seoul City won the UN Public Administration Award last year for this policy.
Final Proposal Submission in October… Competing for $1 Million Prize Next January
Seoul plans to participate in the 'Idea Camp' in Bogotá, Colombia next month and will submit the final project proposal to the Bloomberg Foundation in October. Based on this, Seoul will challenge for the selection of 25 'Best Cities' in January next year, which offers a prize of $1 million (approximately 1.4 billion KRW).
Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "After receiving the UN Public Administration Award, often referred to as the 'Nobel Prize of Administration,' we have again confirmed the potential for Seoul's policies to spread worldwide through this Global Mayors Challenge. We will propose solutions that can genuinely protect the safety of our citizens and create a new paradigm for urban policy."
Image Source: Mayor Oh Se-hoon introducing Seoul's 'Integrated Response Policy for Digital Sexual Crimes Against Children and Youth' through a video at the 'Global Mayors Challenge.' / Photo: Seoul City. Mayor Oh Se-hoon receiving the UN Public Administration Award last year. / Photo: Seoul City.
