Is North Korea's New Urban Development Law a Step Towards Improved Living Conditions?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Urban development law enacted for modernization.
- Aims to enhance living conditions for citizens.
- Focus on preventing urban sprawl.
- Part of the Regional Development 20 X 10 Policy.
- Introduction of AI technology in forecasting systems.
Seoul, Nov 24 (NationPress) The Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea has recently passed a new urban development law, as reported by the North's state media. This legislation is focused on enhancing city infrastructures to ensure better living conditions for its citizens.
The newly established city formation and development law aims to modernize both central and regional urban areas. This significant law was reviewed and approved during a standing committee session, according to Yonhap, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The KCNA highlighted that the primary goal of this enactment is to revamp the urban landscape to align with contemporary demands, thereby enhancing the living standards for the populace.
Details surrounding the law remain sparse; however, it seems to be a move by the North Korean government to tighten its grip on urban development and curtail urban sprawl.
This enactment comes at a crucial time as Kim Jong-un is anticipated to reiterate his commitment to regional development at an important party congress scheduled for early next year.
Under the Regional Development 20 X 10 Policy initiated last year, Kim aims to construct modern factories in 20 cities and counties annually for a decade to enhance living standards in regional regions.
Additionally, North Korea's meteorological agency has unveiled a novel weather forecasting system that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) throughout the entire forecasting process.
The KCNA reports that this AI-integrated system will significantly boost accuracy and reduce forecasting time, which is crucial for responding to natural disasters like floods.
Recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 tech innovations of the year, this system is expected to enhance preparedness against natural calamities, especially following the devastating floods that affected the northwest last year. Kim expressed dissatisfaction over the previous failure to accurately predict those floods.
North Korea is increasingly adopting AI technology, with related fields being introduced in universities and state media showcasing citizens interacting with ChatGPT.