The Korea Environment Institute (KEI) hosted the 10th joint conference with the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), Laos Academy of Social and Economic Sciences (LASES), and the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC) on September 21 in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

KEI has been organizing the KEI-VASS-LASES-RAC joint conference annually since 2012 with the aim of exchanging research results and strategies related to promoting the green transition and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Mekong region. This event also serves as an opportunity to explore further research collaboration among the four institutions.

Inside the venue

KEI President Chang Hoon Lee delivering the opening remarks.

During this year’s conference, in-depth discussions on various topics related to “smart cities” took place. Particular focus was given to capacity-building measures through the sharing of national strategies and plans, as well as the identification of key trends in each country for the development of green smart cities. In addition, a wide range of approaches aimed at creating innovative smart cities capable of addressing primary environmental and socio-economic challenges were explored. Plans for further promoting international collaboration in the development of innovative smart cities and advancing their green growth were also discussed.

Dr. Chang Sug Park, Chief Research Fellow of the Division for Environmental Planning at KEI (first from the right).

Shomi Kim, Country Representative to Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Cambodia.

Dr. Sungjin Kim, Head of the Global Cooperation Team at KEI (second from the right).

An executive roundtable, titled “National Think Tank Leaders Roundtable,” convened the Presidents of the four institutes, including KEI President Chang Hoon Lee. The main themes for the 2024 conference were a central topic of discussion. During next year’s conference, the focus will be on addressing climate change response and related issues specific to each country, examining relevant polices and challenges. The detailed agenda items will be finalized through discussions within each institution.

Presidents of the four institutions: Dr. Academician Sok Touch (RAC), Dr. Sonethanou Thammavong (LASES), Dr. Phan Chi Hieu (VASS), Dr. Chang Hoon Lee (KEI) (from left to right).

The outcomes of this year’s conference will be disseminated through various media channels in Vietnam, including the state-run press, VietnamPlus, the local press of Ho Chi Minh, Bao Phap Luat TP HCM, and Ho Chi Minh City Television.

KEI President Chang Hoon Lee interviewed by Ho Chi Minh City Television at the venue.

KEI anticipates that this year’s conference will serve as a valuable opportunity to strengthen and further expand the network among the four institutions, particularly in the context of implementing sustainable development initiatives in East Asia, with a specific focus on the Mekong region. It is also expected that this conference will lay the foundation for increased opportunities for collaborative research in the fields of climate and the environment in the region, as well as for promoting official development assistance (ODA) projects.

Group photo