Kim Jong Un Vows to Raise Living Standards at Workers’ Party Congress

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Pyongyang: Kim Jong Un opened the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) on Thursday, marking one of the most important political events in North Korea’s calendar held only once every five years. The gathering, attended by some 5,000 delegates, is shaping up to set the state’s strategic direction on economy, defense and social policy for the years ahead.

In his opening address, Kim pledged to raise living standards across the isolated nation and accelerate economic development as “heavy and urgent historic tasks” for the regime. He underscored the need to boost construction, industry and people’s overall well-being as quickly as possible.

State media quoted him saying that the party must intensify its efforts to overcome stagnation, transform social life and build up the nation’s economy. The remarks offered a rare public acknowledgement of the pressing need to address everyday economic concerns in a country long dominated by military and nuclear goals.

For decades, North Korea’s economy has been hampered by strict international sanctions tied to its weapons programs, periodic natural disasters and chronic food shortages. But Kim sought to present the past five years as a period of progress, asserting that the country had laid the groundwork for future growth and improved resilience.

The congress North Korea’s highest policy-making body also provides a stage for possible personnel shifts and new development policies. Foreign governments will be watching closely for indications of changes in foreign policy, military posture or new economic initiatives.

Although Kim’s speech focused largely on internal economic objectives, he conspicuously avoided direct mention of relations with South Korea or the United States, or any shift in North Korea’s long-standing nuclear stance suggesting that the leadership is maintaining its hard-line approach abroad while focusing attention at home.

Photo Credit: KCNA