S. Korea "role model" in international aid contribution: UNICEF official

SEOUL, May 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is a "role model" for other countries in assisting overseas development, a U.N. aid official said Thursday, hoping the country will continue to help children in crisis.

???It is encouraging South Korea is still committed to helping, despite the global
economic downturn," Saad Houry, deputy executive director for the U.N. Children's
Fund (UNICEF), told Yonhap News Agency. He is on a three-day visit to Seoul from
Wednesday for an annual consultation session with officials here to foster better
cooperation in helping children.
A recipient of international aid through UNICEF after the Korean War (1950-1953),
South Korea became a donor country in 1994. It was the 10th-biggest donor nation
in 2007 and contributed US$840 million in 2008.
"Koreans know what it feels like going through economic crisis, so they want to
give back what they received."
Relying heavily on international donations to provide aid for children in crisis,
the New York-based organization is concerned about its budget being affected by
the global financial crisis.
Houry expressed gratitude that Seoul continues efforts to overseas development in
spite of the difficult times.
"South Korea plays a key role in supporting children's development worldwide,
serving as a role model to other developing countries," he said.
In trying to support children in desperate situations, UNICEF plans to put more
weight on improving education in cash-strapped nations.
???Every individual has values,???Houry said.???Our goal is to help children
develop full potential even when they are in an acute situation like being in a
war or a conflict."