(14th) Korea Green Innovation Days (KGID) 2025

Session 1. Opening Ceremony | Korea-World Bank Partnership 

• Juergen Voegele, Planet VP, WBG 

• Sangbu Kim, Digital VP, WBG 

• Jisung Moon, Director General, Development Finance Bureau, Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF), Republic of Korea

Session 2. Talking Green Growth: The Path to Sustainable Jobs  

Moderator: Maitreyi B Das, Director, DFTPR, WBG

• Richard Damania, Chief Economist, Planet VP, WBG
• Young-Hun Oh, Governor of Jeju Province, Republic of Korea
• Dongsoo Kang, Executive Director, Global Knowledge Exchange & Development Center (GKEDC), Korea Development Institute (KDI)

Session 3. KGGTF: Our Global Impact, Today and Tomorrow  

• Hyoung Gun Wang, Program Manager, KGGTF, Planet VP, WBG

Session 4. KGGTF: Global Green Growth Practices and Innovations  

A presentation followed by a Q&A session, showcasing KGGTF’s impact, success stories, and innovative practices from Korean and global partners. 

Moderator: Jie Ae Sohn, KGGTF, World Bank Group

Water Sector Cooperation and Innovation

• Jong Young Kim, General Manager, International Training Team, Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water), “Scaling up a global learning platform in alignment with KGGTF goals”

Agricultural Innovation for Climate-Resilient Food Security

• Francisco Javier Bueso Ucles, Senior Agriculture Economist, Agriculture GD, WBG
• Mauricio Matamoros, Head of SISAGRO, Secretariat of Agriculture, Honduras

Urban

• Federica Ranghieri, Practice Manager, WBG (KGGTF Grant: “Building Coastal Resilience in Asuncion through Climate Smart Solutions"

Session 5. Book Launch: Reboot Development: The Economics of a Livable Planet 

A 5-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute conversation with Richard Damania, Chief Economist, Planet VP, WBG 

Moderated by Doyun Lee, PhD Student, University of Texas (former KGGTF 1st term intern) 

Session 6. Green Jobs

This session will spotlight real-world cases where investment-driven green growth is generating quality jobs, strengthening institutions, and preparing the next generation for a sustainable future. 

Panel Discussion

• Gaurav Nayyar (Economic Adviser, DECWD, WBG)
• Omar Arias (Deputy Chief Economist, EAPCE, WBG)
• Hyungna Oh (Professor, Department of International Studies, Kyung Hee University, South Korea)  

KGGTF & KWPF Grant Case Introduction

• Etienne Raffi Kechichian, Senior Financial Sector Economist, WB (KGGTF Grant: “Green Jobs in Haiti through Enhanced Resource Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Waste Management in Industrial Parks”)
• Mira Lilian Gupta, Disaster Climate Risk Management Consultant, WB (KWPF Grant Team: “Kenya: Digital Public Works for Urban Resilience”) 

Session 7. AI and Emerging Technologies Driving Green Growth 

A series of quick, dynamic talks followed by a panel discussion and Q&A, exploring how AI and emerging technologies are transforming future green growth and employment opportunities across institutions and sectors.

Moderator: Christine Zhenwei Qiang, Global Director, DTFDR, WBG

Keynote Speech: Yeon Hak Kim, Science and ICT Attache, The Ministry of Science and ICT 

• Zaki Badie Khoury, Senior Digital Specialist, WBG - The Foundations for Development of Shared Data Platform for Climate Action
• Michael John Webster, Program Manager, Water Resources Group, WBG

K-Partner

1. Hyejung Lim, Director, National Information Society Agency (NIA)  - “Korea's AI transformation journey and practices”
2. Byung-Hun Son, General Manager, New Energy Business Department, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), “AI for power demand forecasting, smart grid optimization, and predictive maintenance in the energy sector”
3. Hyun Ah Cho, Senior Manager, Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL)

Closing Remarks

• Hyoung Gun Wang, Program Manager, KGGTF, Planet VP, WBG

Session 2-1 Financing/Partnership opportunities with Korean institutions (Preston Auditorium)

Explore co-financing and strategic partnership opportunities with leading Korean institutions committed to advancing sustainable development and green growth worldwide. The session will showcase how these organizations can engage in the World Bank operation to scale impactful climate and development projects.  

Moderator: Hyoung Gun Wang, Program Manager, KGGTF, World Bank Group

• Jinny Lee, Director, Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) - “Financing Opportunities with KEXIM”

• Hokyung Bang, Director, Division of Development Research, CID, Korea Development Institute (KDI) – “Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP): Korea’s Global Knowledge Partnership for Sustainable Development”

​​​​​​​

• Ji-hee Son, Director, National Climate Technology Cooperation Center, National Institute of Green Technology (NIGT) - “Global Climate Technology Cooperation of Korea - focused on the perspective of S&T”

​​​​​​​

• Semin Kim, Assistant Director, International Cooperation Division, Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) - “World Bank and Seoul: Partnership for Global Urban Solutions”

​​​​​​​

• Kihwan Kim, Office Director, Colombia office, Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) - “Linking Technical Assistance to Sustainable Development: Enabling Finance, Partnerships, and Future Directions”

​​​​​​​

• Changgoo Jung, Managing Director, Policy Group, International Contractors Association of Korea (ICAK) - “Introduction to Land and Transport Sector: ODA and International GHG Mitigation Project” 

​​​​​​​

• Q&A

Session 2-2

Advancing digitalization in Water Utilities  

Jointly organized by K-water, Water GD, and DT GD   

• WB: Scaling Digital Water: Phase II Advancing the Digital Journey with K-Water and KEITI 

• KGGTF Grant:  Capacity Building and Water Academy-Uzbekistan &  Smart Non-revenue water management and resilience – Uzbekistan 

Session 1-3

A dynamic policy dialogue led by KDI and World Bank leadership, drawing on Korea’s development journey to spark fresh perspectives on today’s global priorities

Session 2-2

Advancing Urban Mobility through Innovation, Clean Energy, and Partnerships

Explore the transformation of urban mobility—ranging from modernized public transport and active mobility to logistics and the latest e-mobility trends. With a strong focus on cross-sector collaboration, this session highlights how innovation and clean energy adoption can create transport systems that are sustainable, resilient, and people-centered.   

• Developing E-Mobility and Energy Efficiency Programs in the Pacific Island Countries
• Unlocking Urban Mobility in Four East African Cities
• SUSA (Seoul Urban Solutions Agency): Sujin Kim, Principal Transport Specialist, Advanced Green Mobility Systems: Partnerships for a More Sustainable Urban Mobility Paradigm’ 
• KOTI: Korea Transport Institute, Young Ho Kim, Senior Research Fellow, ‘Traffic Congestion Reduction Measures: Experiences in Korea’ 

Session 2-3

Next Generation Leader Session

Celebrate the vision and creativity of young changemakers shaping the global sustainability agenda. This session brings together next-generation leaders from the World Bank and beyond to share bold ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and connect with peers driving action on climate and development.  

• Junghoon Robert Kim, Financial Officer, IFC  

• Joonyeol Yoon, KGGTF 

• Jiyoun Christina Chang, Senior Environmental Engineer, WB 

Session 3-1A (Urban: Livable Cities)

Building Inclusive and Resilient Cities through Smart Development and Urban Regeneration  

Learn how cities are reinventing themselves through smart technologies, resilient design, and inclusive regeneration. From preserving cultural heritage to fostering community participation and deploying nature-based solutions, this session will spotlight inspiring approaches from Korea and around the world that enhance livability, fuel economic growth, and strengthen resilience.

• Integrated Solutions for Green Urban Mobility and Smart City Planning to Improve Livability in Kandy City, Sri Lanka 

• Developing a Digital Ecosystem Assessment Tool for Smart and Inclusive Cities 

• MOLIT: 

• LH: Korea Land & Housing Corporation 

• KIND: Kichul Jung, Vice President, Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation

• Goyang City: Soonyoung Park, Climate Change Specialist, ‘Building a Resilient and Carbon-Neutral Goyang: From Policy Framework to Citizen Action’ 

• SUSA (Seoul Urban Solutions Agency): Donghoon Shin, Urban Planning Specialist, ‘Facilitating Sustainable Regional Socioeconomic Development through Urban Regeneration Interventions: Seoul City Cases’ 

Session 3-2 

Smart and Resilient Railways: Efficiency, Safety, and Urban Integration  

Delve into the future of railways with innovations that boost efficiency, safety, and climate resilience. From electrification and smart signaling to transit-oriented development, case studies will illustrate how modern rail systems are revitalizing economies, reducing emissions, creating jobs and seamlessly integrating cities and regions. 

• Highlight public–private cooperation models for financing and delivering large-scale railway projects.  

• KORASS: Korea Railway Association, Hanbyul Jang, Senior Manager, “Integrated Railway Station Development in Korea: Focusing on Urban Space, Environment, and User Convenience”  

• KNUT: Korea National University of Transportation, Woojin Ahn, Associate Professor, "Roadmap to Establish the Egypt Transportation University: A Korea–Egypt Rail Partnership"  

Session 3-3 

From Pollution Control to Circular Economy: Transforming Waste into Resources

Explore cutting-edge strategies that transform waste management into a driver of sustainability. This session highlights advanced recycling systems, waste-to-energy solutions, and forward-looking policy frameworks that reduce pollution, strengthen industrial sustainability, and accelerate the shift toward a circular economy.

• Eun Joo Allison Yi, Enhancing Pollution Management in Bangladesh through Green Growth Policies 

• KECO: Youngju, Baek, Deputy General Manager, “K-Circular Economy: Turning Waste into Resources” Korea Environment Corporation · Pollution & Recycling 

• SLC: Giuho, Hwang, Director “Circular Economy based on waste landfill and international emission reduction project”,  Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corporation

• Jeju: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province: Plastic Innovations 

Session 3-4

From Recovery to Resilience: Sustainable Forest Solutions  

Discover how KGGTF-supported initiatives are transforming degraded landscapes into resilient ecosystems. This session will spotlight forest restoration, wildfire prevention and response, and carbon reduction strategies, while highlighting the role of policy, technology, and community partnerships in protecting biodiversity and preparing for forest-related disasters. 

• (WB) Stavros Papageorgiou, Mongolia Resilient Green Landscapes 

• Wildfire Management in a Changing Climate: A Digital Partnership between Korea and Turkiye 

• AFoCO: Maralgoo Ganbat, Technical Consultant, Asian Forest Cooperation Organization 

• NIFOS: National Institute of Forest Science 

• KOFPI: Jungsook Choi, General Manager, International Forest Cooperation Division, Korea Forestry Promotion Institute

Session 3-5 

Leveraging Ocean Resources for Climate Resilience, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Growth

• Enhancing India’s Capacity for Green and Resilient Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management: Pathway for a Sustainable Blue Economy

KMI: Korea Maritime Institute

• Seoyeon Oh, Senior Researcher, ‘Seaweed Solutions: Blue Carbon, Climate Resilience, and Food Security’ 

• Jieun An, Director of Fisheries Policy Department, ‘Building a Circular Blue Economy for Climate Resilience through the Complete Utilization of Fishery Resources’ 

• Chanho Kim, Senior Research Fello, ‘Transitioning to Green Ports: Korea’s Experiences’ 

• FIPA: Hyemin Kim, Head of Future Strategy Team, Korea Fisheries Infrastructure Public Agency, “Revitalizing Declining Fishing Communities in Korea: Government Strategies and FIPA Initiatives

Session 3-6

Climate-Smart Agriculture: Technology, Resilience, and Low-Carbon Growth   

This session highlights how climate-smart practices are reshaping agriculture. From digital innovations and mechanization to low-carbon farming, participants will learn how technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable methods can boost productivity, cut emissions, and improve rural livelihoods in an era of growing climate risks.  

• (WB) Francisco Javier Bueso Ucles, AGF (KGGTF Grant K200: Policy Support to Establish a Digital Agricultural Information System for Climate-Resilient Food Security in Honduras)  - Confirmed  

• Tahira Syed, AGF (DC) (KGGTF Grant K221: Leveraging technology and capacity for smart farming solutions in dairy and horticulture agrifood clusters in the Kyrgyz Republic)

K-Partner

• MAFRA: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

• KRC: Korea Rural Community Corporation  

• RDA: Rural Development Administration, Sun Tay Choi, RDA-ARS project coordinator 

• EPIS: Soyoung Jung, Director, “Digitalization and K-Smart Agriculture - Vision of EPIS ODA Project”, Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries  

Session 3-7A

Next-Generation Energy Systems for a Low-Carbon Future  

Explore the cutting edge of clean energy transformation, from renewable energy breakthroughs and grid optimization to energy efficiency solutions. The session will also touch on emerging nuclear technologies and policy innovations shaping the next wave of energy systems that are secure, sustainable, and low-carbon. 

(K-partner)  

• KEPCO: Sang-Min, Senior Manager, Korea Electric Power Corporation

• KETEP: Sunglok Seo, Chief Representative, Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning, "Global Cooperation Strategy for Advanced Energy Technology Development and Market Entry"   

• KEA: Jayeon Lee, Deputy Director, Korea Energy Agency 

Session 3-7B

Nuclear & Carbon-Free Energy Innovations 

 This session will focus on the role of nuclear energy in advancing the next generation of climate and energy strategies. Discussions will include emerging nuclear technologies, safety, financing models, and policy trends that position nuclear as part of a diversified low-carbon pathway. 

• KHNP: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power

• CFA: Seunghee Yang, Senior Manager, Carbon Free Alliance

Session 3-8 

AI and Digital Infrastructure for Sustainable and Resilient Development  

This session will showcase applications in smart farming, integrated urban systems, and energy-efficient networks—demonstrating how technology can optimize services, lower environmental impacts, and drive economic competitiveness. 

• Development of Data-driven Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems & The Foundations for Development of Shared Data Platform for Climate Action 

(K-Partner)   

• NIA: Hyejung Lim, Director, National Information Society Agency 

• Weatherpia 

Session 3-9 

Mining: Transforming Retired Sites into Engines of Renewal 

Explore innovative approaches to repurposing retired mines, drawing on Korea’s experience of converting former sites into tourism destinations, museums, and biodiversity reserves. The session will highlight how these initiatives generate jobs, restore ecosystems, and revitalize local communities.  

• KOMIR 

Session 3-10 

• KGGTF Grant

(K-Partner)   

• GKEDC: Dongsu, Kang, Executive Director, Global Knowledge Exchange and Development Center 

• KCCI: Nok Young Kim, Director, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry

A half-day technical visit designed for Korean sector experts, highlighting how the D.C. metropolitan area is advancing sustainable urban development at both local and regional scales. The program will feature innovations in data governance, energy efficiency, integrated mobility planning, and job creation.