The Korea Environment Institute (KEI) successfully co-hosted the second Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue (TPSD) with the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) at Stanford University and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation For a Better Future, on September 13, 2023, at The Plaza Hotel, Seoul. The pivotal theme of this year’s convening was “energy security,” the seventh of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all around the globe. Many prominent figures from international agencies and distinguished researchers around the world participated in discussions that produced valuable insights for guiding the global community in terms of energy security.

Inside the venue.

The opening session included welcome remarks from Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chairman of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation For a Better Future, and Gi-Wook Shin, Director of the APARC. In his welcome remarks, Chairman Ban emphasized the importance of placing trust in science to tackle energy insecurity and urged the younger generation to actively voice their concerns on relevant issues.

Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation For a Better Future.

Kim Jin-pyo, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea sent a video message delivering a congratulatory remark, expressing appreciation for the effort that has been put into this year’s convening, and conveying hope for its success.

Kim Jin-pyo, Speaker of the National Assembly, Republic of Korea.

The event comprised five plenary sessions. Plenary 1, titled “World Leaders Session,” featured distinguished global figures, including Chairman Ban Ki-moon, Zandanshatar Combojav, Chairman of the State Great Hural of Mongolia, Steven Chu, former U.S Secretary of Energy and 1997 Nobel Prize Laureate, and Woochong Um, Managing Director General of the Asian Development Bank, as keynote speakers. They emphasized the significance of accelerating the adoption of clean energy to address the climate crisis, and stressed the need to develop tailored solutions for each nation. In pursuit of this goal, they argued that increasing financial and technology investments and demonstrating political leadership are crucial.

Participants of Plenary 1: (From left to right) Gi-Wook Shin, Ban Ki-moon, Zandanshatar Gombojav, Steven Chu, and Woochong Um.

KEI President Chang Hoon Lee assumed the role of moderator for Plenary 2, titled “Global Picture for Energy Security.” Hyun Jae Kim, President of the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI), one of the co-hosts of the event, delivered a keynote speech focusing on the global trends observed in the energy sector and Korea’s policy directions. In his speech, President Kim particularly underscored the significance of leveraging all available resources to keep up with achieving carbon neutrality goals in Korea.

Participants of Plenary 2: KEI President Chang Hoon Lee speaking.

The panelists included Sung Jin Kang, Professor of Economics at Korea University, Jong Soon Im, Executive Vice President of the Korea Gas Corporation, and Oyun Sanjaasuren, Director of External Affairs, Green Climate Fund. During the panel discussion, these experts shared their opinions and insights regarding the current energy security conditions we are facing and discussed future directions based on their respective experiences and lessons learned. The discussion was especially meaningful as it provided insights from four experts in distinct fields; a research institute, a university, a public enterprise, and an international agency.

Participants of Plenary 2: Oyun Sanjaasuren speaking.

At the luncheon that followed Plenary 2, KEI President Chang Hoon Lee proposed a toast. President Lee expressed hope for fruitful discussions during this year’s dialogue that would generate tangible and innovative ideas for advancing SDGs and the continuation of the event.

The sessions that followed the luncheon addressed topics including “Geopolitics and Energy Sustainability” (Plenary 3), “Energy Security through Clean Energy Solutions in Asia and the Pacific” (Plenary 4), and “Clean Energy and Co-Benefits” (Plenary 5). These sessions also included numerous distinguished researchers, ambassadors, and directors of many influential international institutes who contributed their valuable perspectives and viewpoints on each topic.

KEI President Chang Hoon Lee, delivering a celebratory speech before the luncheon. 

Group photo