The U.S. Department of State has initiated a partnership with Coupang, Inc., a Fortune 200 technology company based in Seattle, to bolster the U.S. Government’s innovation and economic security efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. This collaboration aims to enhance public diplomacy, youth upskilling, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and sports diplomacy in the Republic of Korea (ROK). It marks the Department's first partnership of this nature with a U.S. company in the ROK.
This initiative underscores the broader alliance between the United States and the ROK in promoting freedom, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific region. It aligns with regional objectives discussed during trilateral meetings with ROK and Japanese leaders in May 2024. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell highlighted the significance of people-to-people connections, including educational and professional exchanges, during these discussions.
As part of this partnership with Coupang, the U.S. Embassy will utilize new resources to support a new American Space in Busan and expand public engagements at all six American Spaces across the ROK. These spaces are open-access learning and gathering venues that foster interaction between local communities and the United States.
Coupang, recognized as the largest U.S.-based job creator in the ROK, will collaborate with the U.S. Embassy to launch a new cohort for the Department’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program. This effort aligns with Coupang’s commitment to investing in women's recruitment, employment, and promotion within software engineering, data science, and logistics sectors—a commitment announced by the White House during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in November 2023. The AWE program aims to enhance women’s economic opportunities by equipping participants with skills and resources necessary for successful business ventures.
This partnership was launched one year after President Biden hosted a historic Camp David Summit in August 2023. It builds on Deputy Secretary Campbell’s trilateral discussions' momentum and supports diverse populations through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges.
For further information, please contact ECA-Press@state.gov. Follow @ECAatState and @USEmbassySeoul on social media for updates on these programs.
