The Korea Environment Institute (KEI) participated in an international conference organized by UNESCO on behalf of the South Korean government. The conference took place as a special session following the International Conference on Climate Risk, Vulnerability, and Resilience Building, and was titled “Global Water Science-based Assessment from 2023 UN Water Conference and Way Forward.”

The event, held in Paris, France from April 18 to 21, aimed to develop follow-up plans based on the discussions held during a side event at the 2023 UN Water Conference. Dr. Ikjae Kim, Chief Research Fellow from the Division for Integrated Water Management at KEI, represented the South Korean government. Other participating countries included Belgium, Egypt, Hungary, Mexico, Canada, and more. Furthermore, six international organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Severe Weather Forecasting Programme (SWFP), were also present.

Participants engaged in discussions at the conference

During the event, Dr. Kim highlighted the collaborative research conducted by KEI and the Korean National Committee for the International Hydrological Programme (IHP). He mentioned that the outcome of their work, the Korean version of the Water Assessment model, would be proposed to the government.

Dr. Ikjae Kim, Chief Research Fellow, KEI

UNSECO commended the project as an excellent example for other countries to refer to, and expressed its expectations for further cooperation between UNESCO and KEI regarding climate change adaptation and water management.