UNJournal Kayla Lee |  The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), the second-largest foreign chamber of commerce in Korea, announced on February 26 that its Women in Korea (WIR) program and the Korean National Council of Women (KNCW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in advancing women’s leadership and fostering inclusive professional networks.

The agreement formalizes collaboration in areas that include women's leadership mentoring, joint initiatives, information exchange, and participation in flagship programs such as WIR and the 2026 Joint CSR "Harmony Marathon."

Launched by KGCCI, the Women in Korea (WIR) program is a leadership mentoring initiative designed to support and connect women professionals across industries within the Korean–German business community. Through structured mentoring, networking events, and executive dialogue, WIR aims to strengthen leadership capabilities and promote cross-sector collaboration.

As Korea's first and largest coalition of women's organizations, KNCW, established in 1959, has played a leading role in advancing women's rights and social status for over six decades. Today, it represents approximately five million members through 53 affiliated member organizations and 17 city and provincial women's associations nationwide. Through diverse initiatives addressing gender-related issues and leadership development, KNCW has contributed to empowering women across all sectors of society and has served as a significant force in supporting national development and shaping a forward-looking vision for women in Korea.

Through this MOU, the two organizations intend to support the continued development of the WIR mentoring program, facilitate mutual participation in leadership and networking initiatives, promote joint engagement in the 2026 CSR "Harmony Marathon" in June, and enhance institutional collaboration.

"Through this cooperation, we are strengthening a platform that empowers women leaders across industries,” KGCCI President & CEO Marie Antonia von Schönburg said, “At KGCCI, we believe that sustainable economic growth is closely linked to inclusive leadership and diverse decision-making. By working together, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and cross-sector dialogue."

KNCW President Myung Huh added: "Through this MOU with KGCCI, we are pleased to strengthen our cooperation and support the development of women's potential, and we look forward to close collaboration to advance women's meaningful participation in the political, economic, and social spheres."

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing leadership development while maintaining a strong focus on professional exchange and business-oriented collaboration. It further reinforces KGCCI's dedication to fostering inclusive leadership within the Korean–German economic community. KGCCI signed an MOU with the Sungjoo Foundation in 2024, and the two have been actively collaborating on women's empowerment initiatives since then. These initiatives underscore KGCCI's long-term commitment to creating sustainable social value beyond business, as reflected in its annual CSR Report.