The  Policy Studies Institute (PSI) and Yonsei University of the Republic of Korea, Department of Global Public Administration, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 09, 2023.

The Policy Studies Institute and Yonsei University believe that this collaboration will serve their common interests and contribute to the improvement of public administration education and research.

The Policy Studies Institute in Ethiopia and Yonsei university in Korea, Department of Global Public Administration, aim to strengthen the relationship between the two institutions and expand academic exchanges in all areas of education, research, and other activities. They agree to cooperate and collaborate in the internationalization of education and research.

H.E. Professor Beyene Petros, Director General of PSI, stated that this Memorandum of Understanding aims to promote international academic cooperation and the exchange of teaching and research experiences between the two institutions. The two institutions will cooperate in developing friendship and mutual interests based on mutual respect for the independence and equal status of each institution.

PSI was established in 2018 by the Ethiopian government. The Institute was formed by merging the two former public policy think tanks, the Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI) and the Policy Study and Research Center (PSRC), which were established in 1999 and 2014, respectively. Since its inception, the institute has conducted in-depth socioeconomic policy research and analysis to provide the government with evidence-based policy advice on a wide range of issues. It also works on capacity building, advisory services, and knowledge dissemination and sharing. It is one of the leading think tanks in Ethiopia. PSI is mandated to provide the Ethiopian government with evidence-based policy research on a wide range of issues. Research priorities are set in close consultation with the government, the private sector, and other key stakeholders. The overall mission of the Institute is to support evidence-based policy-making based on scientific studies and research.

The history of Yonsei University began on April 10, 1885, as Korea's first modern hospital, "Gwanghyewon." Two weeks after the opening, King Kojong gave the Gwanghyewon a new name - "Chejungwon" The Gwanghyewon was founded by a medical missionary, Horace N. Allen. Before its opening, missionary Horace G. Underwood visited Korea and assisted with medical treatment at Chejungwon, while also beginning his work in education and missionary work. The work of these two missionaries in Chejungwon formed the basis for Yonsei.

Since then, the work in the field of medicine was institutionalized, first as Severance Medical College, and later as Severance Hospital and Severance Medical School. In education, what was first known as Underwood School, Gyeongsin School, and later Yonhi College became Yonhi University. Yonhi and Severance supported Korea's independence and modernization during Japanese colonization and times of crisis. As a university, it also bore responsibility for the democratization and modernization of the country after the Korean War.

In conclusion, officials of the two organizations stated that this agreement is intended to promote international academic cooperation and the exchange of research experiences between the two institutions. The two institutions will cooperate in developing friendship and mutual interests based on mutual respect for the independence and equal status of the two organizations.