In March of this year, the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) entered into a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Set to conclude in December 2026, this agreement establishes a collaborative framework aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation and understanding. The partnership focuses on supporting the core process of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) by emphasizing scientific research and capacity building across various levels. It also aims to bolster effective governance and administration while enhancing the credibility and relevance of GEO findings.

The agreement outlines several areas of cooperation, which include but are not limited to: leveraging KEI’s expert knowledge to enrich GEO content; contributing to the development and execution of a UNEP-led suite of supporting services for GEO, as requested by Member States. These services aim to bolster the transformative impact of both GEO-6 and GEO-7 through enhanced capacity building, knowledge creation, and policymaking, particularly at the national level. Additionally, the MOU supports the implementation of funded capacity building activities in the region that address climate change adaptation, subject to further legal agreements.

As a government-backed research entity specializing in environmental policy research, KEI is poised to act as a collaborative center. It will provide crucial scientific information and expertise for the analysis conducted in GEO-7, focusing on areas relevant to its expertise, including environmental assessment, green transitions, climate change, water, and resource management. KEI is committed to supporting capacity building, knowledge creation, and policymaking efforts at global, regional, and national levels.

In addition to these roles, KEI will assist UNEP in its outreach and communication endeavors to ensure the widespread dissemination of GEO findings, thereby contributing to global environmental sustainability and policy development.

The Global Environmental Outlook