30 Years since Foundation: What Roles Has KEI Been Playing in 

Achieving Carbon Neutrality and Green Transition?

KEI celebrated its 30th anniversary by holding a seminar titled “30 Years of KEI: Reflections and Visions for the Future”

(한국환경연구원 30년의 여정과 기대)

As part of its anniversary celebration, KEI plans to hold several more seminars on various topics, including ecosystem conservation and integrated water management, transitioning towards a sustainable economy and society, and advancing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with the first seminar focusing on carbon neutrality implementation and green transition

On March 29, the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) held a commemorative seminar at the Korea Press Center in Seoul. This seminar was the first in a series planned to celebrate the institute’s 30th anniversary this year, after its foundation in 1993.

The seminar started with opening remarks from President Chang Hoon Lee. Dr. Jin-Seung Jung, the second President of KEI, and Dr. Hae-Gu Jung, the Chairperson of the National Research Council for Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences offered congratulatory remarks. Ki-moon Ban, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations and the current Chairman of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation For a Better Future, delivered a special speech. He discussed the roles and tasks expected of the institute in tackling global environmental crises, particularly in the areas of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. During his speech, the Chairman also expressed his sincere hope that KEI would soon become a global environmental institute, reaching out beyond the national boundaries.

Sang-Hyup Kim, the Co-chairperson of the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, was invited as a keynote speaker to discuss the requirements and corresponding approach to carbon neutrality implementation in Korea. He provided valuable insight on the path that Korea should be taking, as well as KEI’s responsibilities in achieving many relevant goals.

President Chang Hoon Lee, making the opening remarks

Vice President Jongho Kim

2nd President Jin-Seung Jung, giving a congratulatory remark

NRC Chairperson Hae-Gu Jung, giving a congratulatory remark

Ban Ki-moon Foundation Chairman Ki-moon Ban, delivering a special speech

Sang-Hyup Kim, Co-chairperson of the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth  

Group photo of attendees at “30 Years of KEI: Reflections and Visions for the Future”

During Session I, Dr. Dong Won Shin, the Director of the Division for Climate and Energy, and Dr. Sungwon Kang, the Director of the Division for Green Transition provided an overview of the 30-year history of environmental policy research in the field of climate change and environment (carbon neutrality) and green transition. Following the presentations, a debate was held, presided over by Dr. Hong Sik Cho, the climate and environment ambassador and a professor at Seoul National University. The participants in the debate were Dr. Sung Jin Kang, a professor at Korea University, Dr. Hee Chan Kang, a professor at Incheon National University, Yun Sung Kim, a lawyer at Lee & Ko, and Dr. Hyun Jae Kim, a Chief Research Fellow at the Korea Energy Economics Institute.

Dr. Dong Won Shin

Dr. Sungwon Kang

Debate in Session I

During Session II, a debate titled “Expectations and Prospects for KEI” was held, presided over by President Lee. Participated in the debate were Dr. Jeong-Seok Choi, President of the Korea Environmental Policy and Administration Society, Dr. Ho Kim, President of the Korean Society of Climate Change Research, Dr. Hyeon Ju, President of the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, Dr. Hyunsuk Shin, President of the Busan Development Institute, Chansu Kang, a journalist at The JoongAng, and Chang-heum Lee, the Director General of the Policy Planning Bureau of the Ministry of Environment.

Debate in Session II

“The seminar was planned to review the achievements of KEI over the last 30 years as the government-funded research institute dedicated to environmental research, with a focus on carbon neutrality implementation and green transition, and to facilitate an in-depth debate on KEI’s future roles,” President Lee said at the event. He added, “As we celebrate our 30-year anniversary, I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the people who have worked tirelessly for the development of Korea’s environmental policy and EIA.”

This year, the institute plans to hold additional seminars on topics including ecosystem conservation and integrated water management, transitioning towards sustainable economy and society, and advancing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).