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National Graduate Institute of Policy Studies Hosts Completion Ceremony for Domestic Training of the International Environmental Expert Program and the 2025 Environmental Professionals’ Night

The National Graduate Institute of Policy Studies (Dean: Jeong Moon-gi) hosted the completion ceremony for the 2025 International Environmental Expert Program's domestic training and the 2025 Environmental Professionals’ Night on February 21 (Fri) at the President Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, marking the conclusion of a three-week domestic training program. The event was organized by the Ministry of Environment and co-hosted by Korea Environment Corporation and the university.

The International Environmental Expert Program aims to train professionals who can actively respond to global environmental cooperation demands. It provides specialized environmental education and global competency training for outstanding domestic talents, fostering field-ready international environmental experts equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This year’s domestic training, hosted once again by the university, spanned three weeks and offered a total of 80 hours of intensive coursework, covering specialized knowledge in international environmental affairs and essential competencies for working in international organizations.

The completion ceremony was attended by 49 graduates of the 17th cohort, along with key figures from the Korea Environment Corporation, including Ha Jeong-won (Director of the Global Strategy Office), Lee Chang-ju (Senior Manager), Park Chae-hyun (Deputy Manager), and representatives Hong Sae-rok and Hwang Yu-eun. From the university, Professor Lee Dong-seong (Program Manager), along with dedicated support staff Kwon Jun-yi (BK21 Postdoctoral Researcher), Kim Sung-geun, Kim Mi-reu-sae, and Lee Dan (Graduate Students), were also present.

Professor Lee Dong-seong stated, “Although the training period was short, I was deeply impressed by the passion and growth of the participants,” and congratulated the graduates, wishing them success in their future endeavors. Director Ha Jeong-won of the Korea Environment Corporation’s Global Cooperation Office encouraged the graduates by saying, “I hope you achieve your dreams of becoming international environmental experts through your dedication and passion. I also urge you to actively utilize the network you have built during this program.”

Among the graduates, Ok Ye-ji, who received the Minister of Environment Award, expressed gratitude, saying, “I sincerely thank the Ministry of Environment, Korea Environment Corporation, and Sungkyunkwan University for providing me with this opportunity to grow as an international environmental expert. For the 17th cohort, this is just the beginning.”

Outstanding graduates of the program will have opportunities to intern at prominent international organizations in the environmental sector, including: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

2025 Environmental Professionals’ Night: A Networking Hub for Global Environmental Experts. Following the completion ceremony, the 2025 Environmental Professionals’ Night was held, marking its fourth annual gathering. This event brought together former graduates of the International Environmental Expert Program to celebrate the newly certified 17th cohort and share insights on launching careers in international organizations. The event fostered networking and camaraderie among environmental professionals.

The event was attended by over 50 program graduates, as well as Kim Jeong-hwan (Director of Climate Change Policy at the Ministry of Environment), Sim Hyeong-seok (MOE Officer), Shin Gyeong-nam (Deputy Secretary-General of GGGI), Choi Jae-hyeok (Director at GGGI), and Arnaud Debauge (UNDP Representative).

The night was divided into two main sessions: 1) Opening Ceremony: Featured congratulatory remarks from distinguished guests. 2) Interactive Activities: Included recreational sessions and a prize draw for graduates.

During the dinner break between the two sessions, program alumni Lee Moon-su (EcoPro BM, 1st cohort), Jeong Su-jin (UNDP, 8th cohort), and Kim Min-jun (KDI, 15th cohort) shared their career journeys and how the International Environmental Expert Program contributed to their professional growth.

In his address, Kim Jeong-hwan, Director of Climate Change Policy at the Ministry of Environment, praised the program’s success, stating, “The International Environmental Expert Program has become a highly esteemed initiative. We will continue to support its growth and impact.” Ha Jeong-won, Director of Global Strategy at Korea Environment Corporation, added, “We will ensure that this event continues to serve as a valuable platform for both vertical and horizontal networking among environmental professionals.”