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

Session 1. Opening Ceremony | Korea-World Bank Partnership (Speaker Bios)

• Juergen Voegele, Vice President for Planet, World Bank Group
• Sangbu Kim, Vice President for Digital Transformation, World Bank Group
• Jisung Moon, Director General, Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF), The Republic of Korea

Session 2. Talking Green Growth: The Path to Sustainable Jobs (Speaker Bios)

This session explores how green growth strategies can create quality jobs and drive inclusive, sustainable economic transformation.

Moderator: Maitreyi B Das, Director, Trust Funds and Partner Relations, Development Finance Vice Presidency, World Bank Group

• Richard Damania, Chief Economist, Planet Vice Presidency, World Bank Group
• Young-Hun Oh, Governor of Jeju Self-Governing Province, The Republic of Korea
• Dongsoo Kang, Executive Director, Global Knowledge Exchange & Development Center (GKEDC), Korea Development Institute (KDI)
• Phillemon Mathebula, Chief Director, Planning, Policy and Climate Change Services, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, South Africa

Session 3. KGGTF: Our Global Impact, Today and Tomorrow (Speaker Bio)

• Hyoung Gun Wang, KGGTF Program Manager, World Bank Group (Presentation)

Session 4. KGGTF: Global Green Growth Practices and Innovations (Speaker Bios)

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” (Presentation)

Agricultural Innovation for Climate-Resilient Food Security

• Francisco Javier Bueso Ucles, Senior Agriculture Economist, Agriculture GD, World Bank Grou and Luis Carlos Martinez Ayala, Ministerial Advisor, Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG), Honduras (Presentation)

Urban

• Federica Ranghieri, Practice Manager, World Bank Group, "Results and Insights from KGGTF Grant: Building Coastal Resilience in Asuncion through Climate Smart Solutions" (Presentation)

Session 5. Book Launch: Reboot Development: The Economics of a Livable Planet (Speaker Bios)

• Richard Damania, Chief Economist, Planet Vice Presidency, World Bank Group (Presentation)
• In discussion with Doyun Lee, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Texas

Session 6. Jobs and Technology (Speaker Bios)

This session will explore how technology-driven green growth can generate quality green jobs and enhance institutional capacity. Drawing on Korea’s experience, global lessons, and practical cases supported by KGGTF, the discussion will highlight opportunities, challenges, and policy insights to inform future collaboration.

Moderator: Richard Damania, Chief Economist, Planet Vice Presidency, World Bank Group

Panel Discussion

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

Case Introduction

• Etienne Raffi Kechichian, Senior Financial Sector Economist, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Green Jobs in Haiti through Enhanced Resource Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Waste Management in Industrial Parks”
• Jae Hyung Kwon, Senior Country Officer, IFC, The World Bank Group (Presentation)

Session 7. AI and Emerging Technologies Driving Green Growth (Speaker Bios)

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, World Bank Group

Keynote Speech: Yeon Hak Kim, Science and ICT Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA (Presentation)

• Zaki Badie Khoury and Seth Ayers, Senior Digital Specialists, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “The Foundations for Development of Shared Data Platform for Climate Action” (Presentation)
• Iftikhar Mostafa, Consultant, Water Resources Group, World Bank Group (Presentation)

K-partners

• Hyejeong Lim, Director, National Information Society Agency (NIA)  - “Korea's AI transformation journey and practices” (Presentation)
• 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” (Presentation)
• Hyun Ah Cho, Senior Manager, Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) - “IT-Driven Railway Innovation for Sustainable Growth” (Presentation)

Closing Remarks

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

Celebrating Korea–World Bank Partnership

• Congratulatory Speech by Jangro Lee, Alternate Executive Director for the Asia and the Pacific Constituency, World Bank Group

Session 2-1

Financing/Partnership Opportunity with Korean Institution (Speaker Bios)

(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, KGGTF Program Manager, 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) - “From TA to Investment: KEITI’s Path to Scalable Green Impact”
• Changgoo Jung, Managing Director, Policy Group, International Contractors Association of Korea (ICAK) - “Introduction to financing instruments in the Land and Transport Sector : with Land and Transport ODA & International GHG mitigation” 
• Q&A

Session 2-2 (Water) 

Advancing Digitalization in Water Utilities (Speaker Bios)

(Preston Auditorium)

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

This session aims to disseminate the importance of collaboration with technologies in limited resource settings for green growth. The extraordinary part of the session will be the high-level dialogue between the World Bank Group and the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water), joint champions in facilitating partnerships for digitalization pathways in client countries that are seeking innovative approaches. In the following programs, presentations and case studies on knowledge exchange and digital solutions will be delivered, shaping the strategies for water digitalization.

High-level dialogue

• Saroj Jha, Global Director, Water GP, World Bank Group  
• Yeong Kong Ko, Vice President and Chief Learning Officer, K-water  
• Christine Zhenwei Qiang, Global Director, Digital GP, World Bank Group  

Presentations

• Pyeol Nim Park, Sr. Manager of New Growth Strategy Unit, K-water -  “Advantage of Making the first move: K-water AI first strategy”
• Dong Gi Shin, Head of Water Supply System O&M Team, K-water - “Global Benchmarking: Future Challenges and Best Practices — AI-based Water Treatment Plants AI-based Water Treatment Plant”
• Changhun Boo, Sr. Manager of AI Transformation Unit, K-water - “Introduction to K-water Data Governance”
• Jean-Martin Brault, Sr. Water and Sanitation Specialist, World Bank Group - “World Bank Digital Water Program and its Cases” (virtual)
• J Bernard Kipkemoi Kirui, Water and Sewerage Engineer, Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation of Kenya - “Case Study - Kenya Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Program (K-WASH)”
• Min-Gyu Kim, Sr. Manager of International Training Team (K-water Academy), K-water, - “Knowledge Exchange for Digital & AI Transformation in the Water Sector“

Session 2-3 (Transport)

Smart and Resilient Railways: Efficiency, Safety, and Urban Integration (Speaker Bios)

(MC 2-800)

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.

Moderator & Opening Remarks: Nicolas Peltier, Global Director, Transport GP, World Bank Group (TBC)

• Matthias Plavec, Transport Analyst, Transport GD, World Bank Group, “Introducing WB Transport GD’s Railway Project”
• Hyun Ah Cho, Senior Manager, Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL)  – “Exploring Future Collaboration Opportunities with WB and KORAIL: A Vision for Strategic Partnership”
• Hanbyul Jang, Senior Manager, Korea Railway Association (KORASS) - “Expanding from Railway Technology to Urban Development: Korea’s Railway Industry, Technological Achievements, and Transit-Oriented Development in Station Areas”
• Woojin Ahn, Associate Professor, Korea National University of Transportation (KNUT) - "Roadmap to Establish the Egypt Transportation University: A Korea–Egypt Rail Partnership"
• SeungYong Yoo, Team Leader, Control Support Team, Incheon Transit Corporation (ICTR), “Korea's First Case of unattended Train Operation (UTO) Transition on Incheon Line 2”

Session 2-4 (Environment: Pollution & Waste) 

Turning Waste into Resources: From Pollution Control to Circular Economy (Speaker Bios)

 (MC 4-800)

Discover how innovative approaches are turning waste into a resource for sustainable growth. This session explores advanced recycling systems, waste-to-energy technologies, and progressive policy frameworks that cut pollution, boost industrial resilience, and drive the transition to a circular economy.

Moderator: Tayo Adejeji, Senior Environmental Specialist, ENV, World Bank Group

• Milagros Cecilia Aime, Consultant, WTR, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant, "Circular Economy for Waste Management in the Province of Buenos Aires" (Virtual)
• Eun Joo Allison Yi, Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: ”Enhancing Pollution Management in Bangladesh through Green Growth Policies” 

K-partners

• Hoon Chang, Director General, Korea Environment Institute (KEI), “Korea's Practice of Addressing Air Pollution and GHG Emissions from Small- and Medium-scale Industries”
• Youngju Baek, Deputy General Manager, Department of Municipal Waste Management, Korea Environment Corporation (KECO), “K-Circular Economy: Turning Waste into Resources” Korea Environment Corporation · Pollution & Recycling 
• Giuho Hwang, Director, Overseas Business Department, Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corporation (SLC), “Circular Economy based on waste landfill and international emission reduction project”
• Ae-suk Kang, Executive Director, Climate Environment Bureau, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province - “Jeju’s Plastic-Free Journey: From Commitment to Action”

Session 2-5 (Urban: Livable Cities)

Building Inclusive and Resilient Cities through Smart Development and Urban Regeneration (Speaker Bios)

(MC C2-350)

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.

Moderator: Angelica Nunez, Practice Manager, IDUGD, World Bank Group 

• Hongye Fan, Senior Urban Transport Specialist, World Bank Group, Results and insights from the KGGTF grant: “Integrated Solutions for Green Urban Mobility and Smart City Planning to Improve Livability in Kandy City, Sri Lanka” (Presentation)
• Jessica Grisanti, Urban Specialist, World Bank Group, Results and insights from the KGGTF grant: “Developing a Digital Ecosystem Assessment Tool for Smart and Inclusive Cities” (Presentation)

K-Partners

• Seong Ik Oh, Director General, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT)
• Soonyoung Park, Climate Change Specialist, Goyang City - “Toward a Climate-Resilient and Carbon-Neutral Future: Goyang City’s Journey" (Presentation)
• Donghoon Shin, Urban Planning Specialist, Seoul Urban Solutions Agency (SUSA)* -“Facilitating Sustainable Regional Socioeconomic Development through Urban Regeneration Interventions: Seoul City Cases” (Presentation)

Session 2-6A (Energy)

Next-Generation Energy Systems for a Low-Carbon Future (Speaker Bios)

(MC 2-800)

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.

Moderator: Chandrasekar Govindarajalu, Practice Manager, ESMAP, World Bank Group

• Selena Jihyun Lee, Energy Specialist, World Bank Group and Thi Ba Chu Senior Energy Specialist, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Supporting Offshore Wind Development in Vietnam”
• Christophe de Gouvello, Senior Energy Specialist, ESMAP, World Bank Group – “Study tour to Korea for floating solar technology”

K-partners

• Sang-Min Lee, Senior Manager, Distribution Network Business Team, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), - “Long-Term Distribution System Planning for Expanding Renewable Energy in Korea”
• Sung Look Sue, Chief Representative, ROK-U.S. Energy Cooperation Center, Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP), "Global Cooperation Strategy for Advanced Energy Technology Development and Market Entry" 
• Yun Kyong Park, Director, International Cooperation Division, Korea Energy Agency (KEA), “International Cooperation for Global Energy Transition”

Session 2-7 (Environment: Mining)

Transforming Retired Sites into Engines of Renewal (Speaker Bios)

(MC 4-800)

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.

Moderator: Min Ji Sohn, Environmental Specialist, World Bank Group 

• Philippe Ambrosi, Senior Environmental Economist, World Bank Group – “From Coalfields to Green Corridors: Turning Retired Mines into Biodiversity Assets”
• Sunbaek Bang, Director, Cooperation Business Team, KOMIR – “From Mining Scars to Living Landscapes: Korea’s Journey in Mine Rehabilitation”
• Min Ji Sohn, Environmental Specialist, World Bank Group – “From Knowledge to Action: Building Mpumalanga’s Mine Repurposing Pipeline”
• Phillemon Mathebula, Chief Director, DARDLEA (Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs) - Provincial Leadership, “Permitting Coordination, and Bokgoni Mine as a Biodiversity and Ecotourism Pilot”

Session 2-8 (Urban: Land)

Modernizing Land Administration: Driving Digitalization, Investment, and Sustainable Growth (Speaker Bios)

(MC C2-350)

This session explores how modernizing land administration advances land records digitalization, urban infrastructure investment, and sustainable economic growth. It will highlight South Korea’s evolution in computerizing land administration, advancing digital government services, and managing land acquisition for infrastructure development. The session will also feature global cases of World Bank–Korea operational and knowledge partnerships, and conclude with a discussion on future collaboration opportunities, including global initiatives in land governance.

Moderator: Mercedes Stickler, Senior Land Administration Specialist, World Bank Group

Opening Remarks: Angelica Nunez, Practice Manager, URL, World Bank Group (TBC)

• Seong Ik Oh, Secretary General of the Central Land Tribunal, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) - “South Korea’s Land Administration Systems, International Lessons, and Land Acquisition for Public Purposes”
• Mika-Petteri Torhonen, Lead Land Administration Specialist, World Bank Group - “Operational Partnerships on Land and Geospatial Systems with Korea”
• Jennifer Lisher, Senior Land Administration Specialist, World Bank Group - “Digitalization of Land Administration Lao PDR, harnessing Korea’s successful development of its digital land administration system” (TBC)
• Mercedes Stickler, Senior Land Administration Specialist, World Bank Group - “Global land governance collaboration, including land conference and proposed Innovation-Lab”

Session 2-6B: (Energy: Nuclear)

Nuclear & Carbon-Free Energy Innovations (Speaker Bios)

(MC 2-800)

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.

Moderator: Selena Jihyun Lee, Energy Specialist, EEX GD, World Bank Group

Opening Remarks: Demetrios Papathanasiou, Global Director, EEX GD, World Bank Group

• Pierre Audinet, Nuclear Lead Energy Specialist, EEX GD, World Bank Group

K-partners

• Seung Yeol Lim, Vice President, Overseas Business Development Department Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, “Korea's Nuclear Industry: From Domestic Growth to Global Leadership"
• Yongsoo Hwang, Distinguished Professor, KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School “Vision for Global Cooperation”
• SeongHee Yang, Senior Manager, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) Secondee to CFA, “Nuclear & Carbon-Free Energy Innovations”

Session 2-9 (Environment: Forestry) 

From Recovery to Resilience: Sustainable Forest Solutions 

 (MC 4-800)

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.

Moderator: Tuukka Castren, Senior Forestry Specialist, Acting Program Manager, SENG2, World Bank Group

• Stavros Papageorgiou, Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Mongolia Resilient Green Landscapes”
• Leela Raina, Environmental Economist, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Wildfire Management in a Changing Climate: A Digital Partnership between Korea and Turkiye”

K-partners 

• Eunho Choi, Research Officer, Forest Strategy Research Division, National Institute of Forest Science (NIFOS)
• Yeonwoong Choi, Senior Staff, International Forest Cooperation Division, Korea Forestry Promotion Institute (KOFPI), “Partnerships for a Greener Future: KOFPI`s Forest ODA in Central America”
• Maralgoo Ganbat, Technical Consultant, Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) - “Driving Green Growth through Forest Cooperation: AFoCO’s Collaboration with the World Bank & KGGTF”

Session 2-10 (Urban: Housing)

Scaling up Green Affordable Housing (Speaker Bios)

(MC C2-350)

As the global need for new housing surges to 100,000 units per day, scaling up green affordable housing is critical to achieving inclusive urban development and climate goals. This session will explore how the World Bank Group is supporting public and private interventions to overcome supply and demand bottlenecks, drawing on global expertise and Korea’s successful green building and housing policies.

Session 2-11

Climate Finance

(MC 13-121)

As countries scale up action toward net-zero goals, climate finance is evolving from concept to implementation. This session explores practical advances in carbon sequestration and carbon markets, showcasing Korea’s leadership and lessons from World Bank operations. Through a dynamic exchange of technical and operational insights, participants will discuss how innovative financing models are turning climate ambition into tangible results on the ground.

• Seo Yi Kim, Climate Finance Specialist, Partnership for Market Implementation (PMI), World Bank Group
• Min Ji Sohn, Environmental Specialist, World Bank Group

K-Partners

• Dongsoo Kang, Executive Director, Global Knowledge Exchange & Development Center (GKEDC), Korea Development Institute (KDI) - “Korea’s Voluntary Carbon Market Initiatives”
• Nok Young Kim, Director, Center for Carbon Reduction Certification, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) -”Bringing Green Technology to Voluntary Carbon Market through the KCCI Carbon Standard (KCS) Program”
• Jooyeon Moon, Researcher, Global Strategy Center, National Institute of Green Technology (NIGT)

Session 3-1 (Agriculture)

Korea’s Next Green Transformation: Policies, Partnerships, and Practical Pathways for Sustainable Agriculture 

  (MC 13-121) 

This session will explore Korea’s coordinated policy and institutional model for agricultural innovation and how it can inform World Bank engagement with client countries. We’ll exchange technical knowledge on Data & Digital Agriculture and Climate & Nature Solutions, showcasing how green growth translates into bankable operations. Finally, we’ll identify partnership and financing opportunities - through KGGTF and other programs - to help move ideas from concept to implementation.  

Moderator: Hina Khan Sherwani, Analyst, Agriculture and Food Global Department, World Bank Group

Opening Remarks:

• World Bank Group (TBC)

• Hyunchul Jeong, Agriculture Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C., and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), Republic of Korea 

World Bank Group

• Frauke Jungbluth, Practice Manager, Africa Unit, Agriculture and Food Global Department, World Bank Group

• William Sutton, Lead Agriculture Economist, Agriculture and Food Global Department, World Bank Group

• Parmesh Shah, Lead Rural Development Specialist, Agriculture and Food Global Department, World Bank Group

• Hyoung Gun Wang, KGGTF Program Manager, World Bank Group, “Advancing Green Growth: The Korea Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF)”
• Winston Dawes, Senior Agriculture Economist, World Bank Group (w/Jamaica & Dominica Clients) 
• Tahira Syed, Senior Agriculture Economist, World Bank Group (w/Kyrgyz Republic Clients) 

K-Partners 

• Sun Tay Choi, RDA-ARS Project Coordinator, Rural Development Administration (RDA)  - “Toward Net-Zero and Smart Farming in Agriculture” 

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

• Chunjin Kim, Deputy Director, Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC) - “Smart Infrastructure for Climate Change and Low-Carbon Growth” 

• Kwangsoo Kim, Director, National Center for Agrometeorology (NCAM) - “Integrating Climate Information into Agricultural Decision-Making" 

• Mauricio Matamoros, Head of SISAGRO, Secretariat of Agriculture, Honduras  

Session 3-2 (Environment: Blue/Ocean)

Leveraging Ocean Resources for Climate Resilience, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Growth (Speaker Bios)

(MC 4-800)

Dive into strategies for building a sustainable blue economy. The discussion will cover marine spatial planning, blue carbon initiatives, and sustainable maritime transport (TBC), exploring how ocean stewardship can restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and unlock pathways for inclusive economic growth.

Moderator: Jiyoun Christina Chang, Senior Environmental Engineer, World Bank Group

• Felipe Lizana, Technical Consultant, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Leveraging seaweed to lower emissions and increase competitiveness of agri-food systems in the Andes” (Virtual)
• Avanish Kant, Senior Environment Specialist, World Bank Group & Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Enhancing India’s Capacity for Green and Resilient Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management: Pathway for a Sustainable Blue Economy”
• Julien Million, PROBLUE Program Manager, World Bank Group, "Marine Spatial Planning as a Catalyst for the Blue Economy”

K-partners

• Hyemin Kim, Head, Future Strategy Team, Korea Fisheries Infrastructure Public Agency (FIPA), “Revitalizing Declining Fishing Communities in Korea: Government Strategies and FIPA Initiatives”
• Jieun An, Director of Fisheries Policy Department, Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), “Building a Circular Blue Economy for Climate Resilience through the Complete Utilization of Fishery Resources”
• Seoyeon Oh, Senior Researcher, Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), “Seaweed Solutions: Blue Carbon, Climate Resilience, and Food Security”
• Chanho Kim, Senior Research Fellow, Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), “Transitioning to Green Ports: Korea’s Experiences”

Session 3-3 (Urban Transport & Energy)

Driving the Future of Urban Mobility (Speaker Bios)

(MC C2-350)

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 the urban transport – energy nexus, this session highlights how innovation and clean energy adoption can create transport systems that are sustainable, resilient, and people-centered.   

Moderator: Ana Waksberg Guerrini, Senior Urban Transport Specialist, ITRGK, World Bank Group

• Fang Xu, Senior Transport Specialist, IAET1, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Unlocking Urban Mobility in Four East African Cities”
• Ellin Ivarsson, Transport Specialist, IAWT3, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Smart Travel Demand Management Policies for Developing Green and Sustainable Transportation: Deep Dives in LAC Cities”  
• Inchul Hwang, Senior Energy Specialist, IEAE1 World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Developing E-Mobility and Energy Efficiency Programs in the Pacific Island Countries”

K-partners

• Sujin Kim, Principal Transport Specialist, Seoul Urban Solutions Agency (SUSA) - “Advanced Green Mobility Systems: Partnerships for a More Sustainable Urban Mobility Paradigm”

• Young Ho Kim, Senior Research Fellow, Korea Transport Institute (KOTI) - “Traffic Congestion Reduction Measures: Experiences in Korea”

Session 3-4 (Next Generation Leaders)

Youth Leadership and Innovation for a Sustainable Future (Speaker Bios)

(MC 4-800)

This session will spotlight the leadership and innovation of young changemakers advancing climate action and sustainability. By bringing together next generation leaders from the World Bank, the session will highlight diverse perspectives, share innovative approaches, and offer networking opportunities among young professionals in international organizations.

• Sarah KH M D M Alenezi, Y2Y, Youth Innovation Fund Program Lead, World Bank Group
• Marco Fayet, Knowledge Management Lead, Development Impact (DIME), Development Economics, World Bank Group (TBC)
• Junghoon Robert Kim, Financial Officer, World Bank Group
• Doyun Lee, PhD Student, University of Texas (former KGGTF 1st term intern) 
• Jiyoun Christina Chang, Senior Environmental Engineer, World Bank Group

Session 3-5 (Digital) 

AI and Digital Infrastructure for Sustainable and Resilient Development 

(MC C2-350)

Unpack the role of AI, digital governance, and green data infrastructure in advancing sustainability. This session will showcase applications in integrated urban systems, and energy-efficient networks—demonstrating how technology can optimize services, lower environmental impacts, and drive economic competitiveness.

Moderator/Opening Remarks: Casey Torgusson, Practice Manager, DTFCD, World Bank Group

• Marc Lixi, Lead Digital Specialist, World Bank Group and Lucine Munkyung Park, Digital Specialist World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Towards a Green, Secure, and Climate-Resilient Data Infrastructure and Environment in West Africa” 
• Zaki Badie Khoury, Senior Digital Specialist, Digital Transformation, World Bank Group and Seth Ayers, Senior Digital Specialist, World Bank Group, Results and insights from KGGTF grant: “Development of Data-driven Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems” & “The Foundations for Development of Shared Data Platform for Climate Action”

K-Partner

• Joo ohk Choi, Executive Principal, National Information Society Agency (NIA) - “Korea's Data Framework to Al-Enabled Public Innovation”

A half-day technical visit will be organized in the D.C. metropolitan area, designed to offer an opportunity to explore innovative approaches to sustainable urban development. These optional site visits are open to partner institutions and client delegations (excluding World Bank staff and local attendees). Further details will be shared upon request.