15th Korea Green Innovation Days (KGID)

Harnessing Digital Innovation for Smarter Agricultural Systems 

This session explores how digital platforms, remote sensing, and AI-driven tools are transforming agricultural decision-making — from soil intelligence systems to satellite-based crop monitoring. Presenters from the World Bank and Korean institutions will share cutting-edge approaches to building data-driven public infrastructure that supports climate-resilient and precision farming. 

World Bank Grant Teams 

• Ghada Elabed, Senior Agriculture Economist, World Bank - “Strategic Focus of the KGGTF Grant: Green Growth Acceleration: Digital Platforms and Soil Intelligence for Resilient Farming” 
• Francisco Javier Bueso Ucles, Senior Agriculture Economist, World Bank - “Strategic Focus of the KGGTF Grant: Remote Sensing and AI-Driven Methodology for Corn and Bean Area and Yield Estimation in Honduras: A Pilot in the Departments of Olancho and El Paraíso”  

K-Partners 

• Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA)  
• Rural Development Administration (RDA)  
• Kwang Soo Kim, Professor, National Center for Agro Meteorology (NCAM), Seoul National University - “From SISAGRO to Smart Agricultural Policy: Building Digital Public Infrastructure for Targeted and Climate-Resilient Agriculture” 

• Q&A/Discussion 

Smarter Mobility in Practice: Digital Solutions for Smarter, Safer, and Greener Transport

This session explores how digital technologies can strengthen transport systems to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.  Drawing on Korea’s experience and World Bank supported projects, speakers will share lessons from implementing intelligent transport systems (ITS), digital rail solutions, and smart urban mobility.  The focus is on how these tools can be applied in different countries’ contexts to deliver real improvements in mobility and service delivery. 

World Bank Grant Teams 

• Gladness Rwejumura, Transport Specialist, World Bank Group - “Development of ITS-Led Tanzania Railway System Strengthening Climate Resilient Infrastructure Based on GIS” 
• Matthew Brian Gough, Infrastructure Specialist, World Bank Group - “Integrated Solutions for Green Urban Mobility and Smart City Planning to Improve Livability in Kandy City, Sri Lanka” 
• Dominic Patella, Senior Transport Specialist, World Bank Group -  

“Morocco & Tunisia: Smart, Integrated Ticketing and Data Management” 

K-Partners 

• Sue Park, Director, ITS Korea – “The Current Status and Future Vision of ITS in Korea”  
• Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL)  
• Sunghoon Kim, Associate Research Fellow, Korea Transport Institute (KOTI) – “Smart City and Smart Mobility Projects in South Korea” 
• Dong Chang Lee, Head of Bus Operations Team, Sejong City – “Integrating BRT and DRT for Inclusive Urban Mobility: The Sejong City Case”  

Green Energy Transformation: Driving Decarbonization and Sustainable Solutions 

As countries work to expand energy access while advancing climate goals, this session brings together World Bank teams delivering practical, scalable solutions from solar energy expansion to grid digitization and integrated low-carbon transitions.  Drawing on experience across Africa, Central and East Asia, speakers will highlight how renewable energy investments, digital tools, and data-driven planning are improving system efficiency, strengthening resilience, and supporting more inclusive energy systems.  

Grounded in real operations, the discussion will focus on how adaptable models can accelerate clean energy transitions at scale.  

World Bank Group Grant Teams

• Yuri Lima Handem, Senior Energy Specialist, World Bank Group - “Solar Energy Scale-up and Access Project (SESAP)”
• Yae Jun Kim, Energy Specialist, World Bank Group - “Digitization of Power Transmission and Distribution System in Kyrgyz Republic”
• Yun Wu, Senior Energy Specialist, World Bank Group - “Accelerating Mongolia Green Energy Transformation: Digitalization, Decarbonization, and Inclusive Access”

K-Partners

• Youngsung Park, General Manager, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)
• Hanki Kim, Department Head, Distributed Energy Dep’t, Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER)

Shaping the Next Generation of Climate Solutions

This session spotlights the next-generation professionals driving green growth across sectors and borders. Drawing on Korea’s experience of scaling green growth, young World Bank staff and partners will share their perspectives, exchange approaches across different sectors, and explore how their generation can accelerate the transition from evidence to impact. The session combines short professional spotlights, peer dialogue, and interactive discussion — creating a space where young practitioners connect, inspire each other, and collectively shape the future of green growth.   

Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Tech and Global Synergy to Combat Poverty and Malnutrition

This session explores how technological innovation and global partnerships can contribute to addressing poverty and malnutrition. It will highlight practical approaches to improving agricultural productivity, food systems, and nutrition outcomes through climate-resilient technologies and evidence-based interventions. Drawing on Korea’s experience, the session will also examine how international collaboration and development programs can support sustainable food production and promote healthier diets. 

K-Partners 

• E&S Consulting - “Trends in Agri-Food and Nutrition and ODA Programs in Korea and Globally” 
• National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science (NIHHS), Rural Development Administration (RDA) - “Climate-Resilient Cultivation Technologies to Enhance Vegetable Productivity and Quality” 
• National Institute of Crop and Food Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA) - “Technologies for Sustainable Food Crop Production and Healthy Diet Management” 
• Rural Development Administration (RDA) - “Multilateral Collaboration Initiatives to Address Poverty and Malnutrition” 
• Q&A 

Policy and Practice: Toward Low-Carbon and Targeted Agricultural Development 

This session examines how evidence-based policy design and sustainable land management practices can drive more equitable and environmentally responsible agricultural outcomes. Drawing on experiences from Sub-Saharan Africa and Korea, presenters will discuss fertilizer subsidy reforms, low-carbon agriculture, and the role of rural institutions in supporting green growth. 

World Bank Grant Teams 

• Sergiy Zorya, Lead Agriculture Economist, World Bank Group - “Strategic Focus of the KGGTF Grant: Leveraging Soil Information System for Fertilizer Subsidy Reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa” 

K-Partners 

• Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA)  
• Hyoungho Park, Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) - Case Studies on Low-Carbon and Sustainable Agriculture Practices 
• Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS)  
• Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC) 

• Q&A/Discussion 

K-Climate Technology Demonstration Program for the Global South (R&D): From Korean Innovation to Global Application 

This session, led by the National Institute of Green Technology (NIGT) under the Ministry of Science and ICT of Korea, introduces the K-Climate Technology Demonstration Program for the Global South (R&D) — an initiative that translates Korea's public R&D into real-world climate solutions for developing countries.

Drawing on innovations from government-funded research institutes and universities, the session highlights climate technologies across smart energy, resilient transport, and AI-driven environmental monitoring, and explores how they can scale through international financing partnerships across the Global South.

Nuclear in the Energy Transition: What It Takes to Deliver Reliable Power 

This session examines the role of nuclear energy in delivering reliable, low‑carbon power as part of the broader energy transition Drawing on Korea’s experience and World Bank engagement, speakers will share practical lessons on long-term plan operation, investment readiness and and institutional capacity.  

The discussion will focus on how nuclear can complement renewable energy systems, while addressing the operational, financial, and policy challenges countries face. 

World Bank Group Grant Teams

• Pierre Audinet, Lead Energy Specialist, World Bank Group - “Scoping Investment Pipeline and Promoting Knowledge Sharing for Long Term Operation of Nuclear Power Plants”

K-Partners

• Yongsu Hwang, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) / KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KEPCO KINGS)
• Jiyong Oh, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) / KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KEPCO KINGS)
• Se-Bin Cheon, Overseas Business Development Department, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP)

Panelist

• Seunghan Lee, Senior Operations Officer, EAP VP, World Bank Group

Green Transitions in Practice: Cross-Thematic Approaches to Green and Resilient Development

This session brings together World Bank Group grant teams and Korean partner organizations to share innovative approaches to environmental sustainability and green development across diverse geographies and environmental topics.

The presentations collectively highlight the breadth of approaches being deployed — from waste management and industrial policy to ecosystem-based solutions and forestry — offering lessons and opportunities for cross-thematic and international collaboration.

World Bank Group Grant Teams

• Irina Ghaplanyan, Senior Climate Change Specialist, World Bank Group -
• “Strengthening Hazardous Waste Governance for a Green and Resilient Ukraine”
• Albert Sole, Senior Private Sector Specialist, World Bank Group - “Technical Assistance to Support Green Industrialization through Rwanda’s Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones Program”
• Felipe Lizana, Environment Specialist, World Bank Group - “Leveraging Seaweed to Lower Emissions and Increase Competitiveness of Agri-Food Systems in the Andes”

K Partners

• Kikang Bae, Team Lead, Strategic Planning Team, Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) - “Driving Green Growth through Forest Cooperation: AFoCO’s Collaboration with the World Bank Group & KGGTF”
• Yeonwoong Choi, Senior Staff, International Forest Cooperation Division, Korea Forestry Promotion Institute (KOFPI)  
• Youngkyun Kim, Manager, International Cooperation Center, Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency (KOSHA) - “Introduction to KOSHA and Its International Cooperation Activities”
• Hungsuk Park, Chief Technical Advisor, Ulsan EID Center

Panelist

• Prasetyo, Director of Sanitation, Ministry of Public Works, Indonesia

From Plans to Projects: Delivering Green Cities through Partnerships and Practice

How do cities move from vision to implementation? This session explores how coordinated governance and public-private partnerships can turn green urban plans into investable, job-creating projects.  Drawing on practical experiences, speakers will highlight lessons in integrated planning, land development, and phased delivery, showing how cities can structure institutions and partnerships to deliver scalable, resilient urban transformation.

World Bank Group Teams

• Minkyung Kim, Urban Specialist, World Bank Group – “Smart, Green, and Inclusive Urbanization in Cambodia”
• World Bank Group Korea Office Urban Team

K-Partners

• Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements (KRIHS)
• Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH)
• International Contractors Association of Korea (ICAK)
• Nojun Park, Senior Manager, Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND) - "Enabling Green Growth through the K-City Network: The Bandung Smart Town Master Plan in Indonesia"
• Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) / Seoul Urban Solutions Agency (SUSA
• Intelligent City Department, Sejong City

• Q&A

Leveraging Private Sector Innovation

This session explores how climate tech companies’ technologies and implementation experience can be applied in the field of development cooperation. The discussion will focus on practical pathways for integrating private sector climate solutions into international development domains, including collaboration models with governments and multilateral institutions.

K-Partners

• Suhyoon Kang, International Impact Project Team, World Vision - “The Catalyst: Bridging Climate Tech and the Field”
• Jongkyu Kim, Chairperson, Korea Climate Tech Association; CEO, 60 Hertz - “Introduction to Korea Climate Tech Association & 60 Hertz”
• Jungbin Kim, CEO, SuperBin
• Sungwoo Kim, CEO, VERYWORDS

Clearing the Air: Integrated Solutions for Cleaner, Healthier Cities

This session explores how countries are tackling air pollution through coordinated, data-driven approaches.  Speakers will share lessons on strengthening governance, building emissions inventories, and designing effective policies and enforcement systems.  The discussion will focus on how cities can translate data into action, aligning institutions, capacity, and policy tools to deliver sustained improvements in air quality and public health.

World Bank Group Grant Teams

• Daniel Mira-Salama, Lead Environmental Specialist, World Bank Group
• Elena Strukova Golub, Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank Group - “Uzbekistan: Catalyzing Transformative Air Quality Improvement through Integrated Green Growth Solutions”
• Sameer Akbar, Senior Environment Specialist, World Bank Group

         K-Partners 

• Korea Environment Corporation (KECO)
• Seungmin Lee, Director, Atmospheric Environment Division, Korea Environment Institute (KEI) - “Regional Cooperation Strategies for Air Quality Management Technologies in Asia”

• Q&A

From Digital Government to AI-Enabled Services: Pathways to Better Delivery

This session explores how governments are strengthening digital foundations to unlock the next generation of AI-enabled public services. Korean institutions will share how they are building interoperable platforms and preparing for trusted AI adoption, while World Bank Group teams highlight lessons from KGGTF-supported programs in different regions. The discussion will focus on practical steps—what it takes to move from digital systems to smarter, more responsive service delivery.

World Bank Group Grant Teams

• John Tanui, Principal Secretary, Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Kenya - “Strategic Focus of the KGGTF Grant: Enhancing Data Sharing and Use for Scalable AI Solutions in Kenya” and/or Lessons from other World Bank Group digital projects
• Lulezon Jagxhiu, Minister of Digitalisation and Public Administration (MDPA), Kosovo - “KGGTF Grant: Boosting Innovation for Kosovo Digital Transformation”
• Ji Eun Choi, Senior Digital Specialist, World Bank Group - “Governing AI: Korea’s Policy and Institutional Model”
• Seunghan Lee, Senior Operations Officer, EAP VP, World Bank Group

K-Partners

• Hyejeong Lim, Director, Department of Global ICT Cooperation, National Information Society Agency (NIA)
• Byungkon Kim, Director, Data Industry, Korea Data Agency (Kdata) - “From Data to Impact: Building Trust-Based Digital Ecosystems for AI and Economic Growth”

Aligned for Impact: Expanding Partnership with the World Bank Group Korea Office 

This session highlights how the World Bank Group Korea Office and KGGTF are working together to strengthen knowledge exchange, capacity building, and operational collaboration. It will present the Korea Office's evolving role and Phase 4 strategic priorities, while showcasing past partnerships and new opportunities for engagement. The discussion will also offer a broader outlook of the Korea World Bank Group Group — spanning the World Bank Group, IFC, and MIGA — and how these collaborations are translating into practical support for country programs.

Moderator: Jason Allford, Special Representative for the Republic of Korea, World Bank Group Group (TBC)

World Bank Group Teams

• Jason Allford, Special Representative for the Republic of Korea, World Bank Group Group
• Jaehyung Kwon, IFC, WBG
• Kyoung-ho Park, MIGA, WBG
• Energy (Myoe Myint / Inchul Hwang), Senior Energy Specialists, World Bank Group
• Environment (Milen F. Dyoulgerov Vollen / Sameer Akbar / Stephen Ling), Senior Environmental Specialists), World Bank Group
• Digital (Zaki Badie Khoury Senior Digital Specialist / Ji Eun Choi, Senior Economist), World Bank Group

From Pilots to Scale: Aligning ODA, R&D, and Investment for Greater Impact

This session examines how countries and partners can move beyond stand-alone projects to build integrated portfolios that connect research, pilots and financing.  Speakers will share collaborative development examples from ODA, R&D, and pilot projects that are aligned across the project lifecycle—from innovation to deployment and scale.  The discussion will highlight models for collaboration and multilateral development banks and the use of parallel financing to translate innovation into large-scale impact.

         K-Partners

• Gayoung Choi, Senior Researcher, NCTCC, National Institute of Green Technology (NIGT)
• Kyoungche Lee, Director, Overseas Business Office, Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI)
• Dongil Park, Director, Korea Meteorological Institute (KMI)
• Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) / Seoul Urban Solutions Agency (SUSA)
• International Contractors Association of Korea (ICAK)

From Systems to Services: Scaling Reliable and Resilient Water Delivery

This session explores how countries are strengthening institutions and utilities to expand and sustain water services at scale.   Drawing on practical implementation experiences, speakers will highlight how clear governance structures, coordinated planning, and phased investments can improve service delivery.  The focus is on practical approaches to utility transformation, infrastructure integration, and operational models that deliver reliable, resilient water systems.

World Bank Group Grant Teams

• Pascaline Wanjiku Ndungu, Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist, World Bank Group - “Progress and Early Insights from KGGTF grant:  Strengthening the Capacity of Kenya County Governments and Water Services Providers to Design and Implement Green and Climate Resilient Water Supply Systems”
• Odete Duarte Muximpua, Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist, World Bank Group - “Central Asia Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) Capacity Development Program for Scaling Up Access, Resilience and Innovation"

K-Partners

• Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water & K-water Academy)
• Korea Environment Corporation Korea Water Cluster (KECO KWC)
• Integrated Watershed Management Institute (IWMI)

Unlocking Climate Finance: Scaling Investment for Real-World Impact

This session explores how countries can mobilize and scale climate finance through innovative instruments, partnerships, and market-based approaches. Speakers will highlight practical lessons on strengthening policy frameworks, building institutional capacity, and crowding in private investment.  The discussion will also introduce emerging initiatives such as the Global Voluntary Carbon Market (GVCM) examining how they can enhance market integrity, support results-based finance, and create new pathways for scaling high-impact climate action.

World Bank Group Grant Teams

• Zhou Cheng, Senior Climate Finance Specialist, World Bank Group

K-Partners

• Taehoon Kim, GVCM Unit, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) - “Introduction to GVCM Initiative”
• National Institute of Green Technology (NIGT)
• Gwangnam Ryu, CEO, NewTonne - “From Policy to Pipeline: AI-Enabled Carbon Market Intelligence for Scaling Article 6 Climate Finance"
• Seungho Lee, Deputy CEO, Thanks Carbon - “Empowering Smallholder Farmers to Earn Carbon Credits: A Proven Digital MRV Model from the Rice Paddies”
• Young-jun Cho, Executive Director, Sustainable Management Institution, Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) - “Overview of Operations at the KCCI Carbon Reduction Certification Center”

• Q&A

Opening Ceremony

Held on the final day of KGID 2026, the Opening Ceremony brings together senior leadership from the World Bank Group, the Government of Korea, and Sejong City to reflect on key insights emerging from the week’s technical sessions and to chart the path forward. Opening and congratulatory remarks will underscore the value of global partnerships and knowledge exchange, followed by a keynote address highlighting Korea’s experience in translating policy ambition into implementation—offering practical lessons for scaling green growth and sustaining momentum beyond the event.

• Opening Remarks, Guangzhe Chen, Vice President, Planet Vice Presidency, World Bank Group 
• Congratulatory Remarks, Yoonjin Kang, Director General, Development Finance Bureau, Korean Ministry of Finance and Economy
• Keynote Speech, Seungwon Lee, Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs, Sejong City

Scaling Green Growth: Aligning Policy, Investment, and Innovation

Scaling green growth requires more than successful pilot projects. It demands alignment across policy frameworks, investment pipelines, and innovation ecosystems to translate evidence into sustained impact. This plenary roundtable will examine how governments, development partners, and the private sector can work together to build the institutional, financial, and technological systems needed to move from isolated initiatives to scalable, investment-ready green transformation.

• World Bank Group
• Kwangchul Ji, Director General, Office for Hyper-Innovation Economy, Korean Ministry of Finance and Economy
• Mr. Sung Yong Eom, Senior Executive Vice President, Economic Development Cooperation Fund, Export–Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM)

KGGTF: Our Global Impact, Today and Tomorrow

This session will highlight KGGTF’s evolving global impact, showcasing how the program is translating knowledge into operations today while positioning partnerships, innovation, and scaled solutions to shape its future trajectory

• Hyoung Gun Wang, KGGTF Program Manager, World Bank Group

KGGTF: Powering the Continued Development Journey

This session will demonstrate how the Korea Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF) translates evidence and innovation into scalable, investment-ready green growth solutions that support the continued development journey of partner countries. Flagship initiatives will highlight KGGTF’s catalytic impact and innovative practices developed with Korean and global partners. The presentation will conclude with a moderated Q&A exploring lessons learned and pathways to scale.

World Bank Group Grant Teams

• Odete Duarte Muximpua, Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist, World Bank Group - “Central Asia Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) Capacity Development Program for Scaling Up Access, Resilience and Innovation"
• Kyungjin Shin, General Manager of K-water Academy, K-Water

• Essam Elshikhe, Chairman of Board Director, Cairo Transport Authority - “Accelerating Green Transport Industry Development and Job Creation in Egypt”
• Seung Yup Jang, Professor, Korea National University of Transportation (KNUT) – “Recent progress in development of educational programs for Egypt Transportation University”

• Francisco Javier Bueso Ucles, Senior Agriculture Economist, World Bank Group – “Remote Sensing and AI-Driven Methodology for Corn and Bean Area and Yield Estimation in Honduras: A Pilot in the Departments of Olancho and El Paraíso with KCAM”
• Kwangsoo Kim, Professor, National Center for Agro Meteorology (NCAM)

Korea’s New ODA Strategy in Changing Global Landscape: Implications for KGGTF and the Road Ahead

This session will introduce Korea’s new ODA strategy within the context of broader global development trends and examine its implications for KGGTF’s future direction. The session will explore how KGGTF can continue to align with Korea’s evolving development priorities while strengthening its strategic focus, partnerships, and contribution to scalable, visible, and sustainable green growth solutions.

From Vision to Impact: Innovations Across Sectors and Regions

This session spotlights how World Bank Group teams are turning ambitious ideas into practical results across energy, transport, and industrial development. Drawing on experiences from Mongolia, North Africa, and Rwanda, many developed in collaboration with Korean partners, speakers will share how digital tools, integrated systems, and targeted technical support are helping countries solve real implementation challenges. From improving service delivery to strengthening industrial competitiveness, the discussion will focus on what is working on the ground and how these approaches can be adapted and scaled in other contexts.

World Bank Group Grant Teams

• Yun Wu, Senior Energy Specialist, World Bank Group – “Accelerating Mongolia Green Energy Transformation: Digitalization, Decarbonization, and Inclusive Access”
• Albert Sole, Senior Private Sector Specialist, World Bank Group - “Technical Assistance to Support Green Industrialization through Rwanda’s Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones Program”
• Minkyung Kim, Urban Specialist, World Bank Group
• Environment specialist
• Agriculture specialist
• Digital specialist

Working with the World Bank Group: Procurement Orientation

This session will provide an overview of how the World Bank Group operates and engages with project partners and stakeholders. It will introduce the Bank's core operational principles and walk through key processes involved in project planning, implementation, and management. The session aims to strengthen participants' understanding of how to effectively navigate partnership and collaborate within World Bank Group–financed operations.

• World Bank Group Operations & Procurement: Key principles, guidelines, and roles
• Working with the World Bank Group in Practice
• Q&A

Cultural Session

The closing cultural session offers visiting guests an opportunity to experience Korea’s rich heritage and contemporary culture, providing a meaningful and memorable conclusion to KGID 2026.