Brazilian Visit to the Republic of Korea: Building Foundation for Resilient Public Data Infrastructure

In early November 2023, a select group of Brazilian public officials from federal and state governments traveled to the Republic of Korea—a nation renowned for its technological prowess—in pursuit of digital excellence that Brazil aspires to replicate within its borders. The delegation aimed to gather insights and learn best practices from both Korean government agencies and private entities to understand their approaches, challenges, and solutions for sustainable data infrastructure, public service delivery systems, and robust cybersecurity measures. 

Expanding Horizons in Data Management

The heart of the visit lay in understanding Korea's approach to data management, mainly focusing on energy-efficient and resilient data centers. The Brazilian officials visited three cutting-edge data centers, including the government-run National Information Resources Service and two private facilities, Naver GAK and LG CNS. 

There, they gained insights into green data management and best practices in sustainability. For example, how strategically chosen location of the data center—like Naver GAK, which is built in the coolest mountain area in the country and uses wind to cool server rooms—can help diminish dependency on air conditioning and avoid overheating.

Revolutionizing Public Service Delivery

Korea's National Information Society Agency demonstrated to the Brazilian delegation the power of data-driven government policies and showcased its advanced digital platform for one-stop public services. 

Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety further illustrated the country's comprehensive approach to disaster and safety management, utilizing digital alarms to safeguard citizens in case of natural disasters (flood, fire) and emergencies (crime, infectious diseases). Its Digital Government Exhibit Hall provided concrete application cases.

Next, the delegation witnessed first-hand the integration of private and public data at the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Urban Solution Agency, showcasing Korea's innovative policy planning and commitment to open data access.

These experiences provided the Brazil delegation with actionable examples of how to leverage digital infrastructure to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of public services, paving the way for a more connected and citizen-centric governance model.

Strengthening Cybersecurity and Emergency Responses

A key aspect of the visit was understanding Korea's centralized emergency response and integrated system. Discussions with the Korea Internet & Security Agency highlighted Korea’s proactive view on cybersecurity, particularly in detecting cyber threats.

The Personal Information Protection Committee shed light on the balance between public data protection and usage by adopting and updating necessary legal framework and system protocols, such as the Enforcement Decree of the Personal Information Protection Act.

One of the leading cybersecurity companies in Korea, AhnLab, shared its approach to working with the government, which has fueled a successful 30-year-long public-private collaboration in cybersecurity. This provided the Brazilian delegation with practical insights into forming similar alliances that could help enhance Brazil's national cybersecurity strategies.

Towards a Digitally Resilient Brazil

Organized by the Korea Digital Development program (KoDi) team from the World Bank Group Korea Office, this knowledge exchange marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s digital journey. The lessons learned and best practices observed provide a blueprint for Brazil to build sustainable data infrastructure, modernize public services, and fortify its cybersecurity landscape. 

This is especially important now as the country is preparing to upgrade its emergency management and digital public infrastructure, part of the World Bank’s “Espirito Santo Digital Acceleration Project.” This involves constructing green data centers and setting up an industry-university innovation complex for digital skills development, particularly in Espirito Santo.