The Role of International Aid Organizations in the Development of North Korea: Experience and Prospects

International organizations will have an important role to play in an accelerated program of development assistance in North Korea once the constraints on such a program are removed through a political settlement of the nuclear issue. The critical roles of the multilateral agencies will be coordinating the aid effort, supporting development planning building development capacity, investing in infrastructure, and streamlining private investment. NGOs, building on experience already gained in North Korea, will also make crucial contributions, such as by focusing on community-level engagement, vertical and horizontal linkages, and innovation and risk-taking. These roles will be essential for coaxing North Korea along the path of economic reform and opening gaining the trust of the North Korean people, and keeping the donor publics engaged.