From May 31st to June 8th, the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) participated in a knowledge-sharing workshop and site visits for the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) Project, a World Bank initiative in Bangladesh, spanning from 2023 to 2028.

The visit aimed to gain insights into the SMART Project, explore collaborations with the World Bank and Bangladeshi officials, and plan long-term partnerships. Discussions during the visit focused on a wide range of topics, such as environmental economics, energy, urban planning, waste management, and air quality. KEI introduced South Korea’s water management policies, including flood management, climate change, and water treatment, and actively engaged in discussions related to Bangladesh’s strong commitment to environmental policies and initiatives for flood reduction and urban inundation.

Dr. Ikjae Kim (Chief Research Fellow, Division for Integrated Water Management) engaged in discussion.

Throughout the visit, KEI was able to acquire valuable information and establish essential networks, laying the foundation for future collaborations in Bangladesh’s national and regional projects. The knowledge exchange during the visit is expected to have a positive impact on Bangladesh’s environmental initiatives and contribute to the success of the SMART Project.

Dr. Seungsoo Lee (Research Fellow, Division for Integrated Water Management, fifth from the left) attending a meeting with Feni City Mayor Mr. Md Nozrul islam Sopon Miaji.

Meetings with the World Bank representatives included an introduction to the Resilient Urban and Territorial Development Project (RUTDP), another initiative undertaken by the World Bank. Key aspects of the RUTDP focused on improving export-import environments through highway development and social infrastructure (such as sewerage pipelines) construction. Additionally, the RUTDP aims to protect Bangladesh’s citizens and industrial infrastructure from floods and urban inundation.

The World Bank expressed a desire to collaborate with KEI on flood vulnerability analysis, prioritization of sewerage pipeline construction, and developing flood defense strategies. This visit marked an essential step in fostering an effective partnership between KEI and relevant stakeholders, facilitating mutual knowledge exchange, and contributing to Bangladesh’s sustainable and resilient development.