Students with KDIS Dean during their field visit at the Sudokwon Landfill Management Corporation

GKED Center, Seoul, South Korea — More than 40 KDI School students participated in the 2025 Knowledge Exchange Days (KED) held from November 6 to 7, 2025, which brought together experts from multilateral development banks (MDBs), national governments, and private sector leaders to discuss how to integrate policy, technology, and finance in scaling up climate action.

The two-day event featured a series of panel discussions, networking activities, and on-site visits. The first day focused on policy and financing mechanisms for climate projects, while the second day gave participants a chance to gain first-hand insights into Korea’s climate practices through field visits at the Korea Landfill Management Corporation. Other activities included the Youth Empathy Stage, career dialogues with MDB representatives, interactive board games on climate finance, and a cultural night celebrating collaboration across countries.

Students attended the Conference on November 6, 2025

Insights from MDBs and Global Institutions

One of the conference highlights was the panel  ‘Lessons and Insights from MDBs’. Junkyu Lee from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, public–private collaboration, and blended finance to turn climate strategies into tangible projects. Zhou Cheng from the World Bank Group highlighted the need to mobilize carbon finance and strengthen national frameworks that improve access to carbon markets. Meanwhile, David Boland of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) underscored the role of strong global partnerships and large-scale capital flows in accelerating transformation across developing economies.

During the discussion, Eric Khinde Ogunleye, Director of the African Development Institute (AfDB) raised a reflective question: “Are we simply doing more, or are we doing better?” He stressed that MDBs must measure the right outcomes and not just count the number of projects implemented.

Some KDIS students listening intently to the speakers

Country and Private Sector Contributions

Another session showcased country-specific initiatives, including Japan’s Joint Crediting Mechanism, Korea’s REDD+ programs under its Forest Service, and Thailand’s T-VER for carbon reduction. The discussions highlighted that achieving net-zero emissions requires innovation, collaboration, and shared commitment from both public and private sectors.

Speakers from national governments and private partners during the roundtable discussion 

In Session 3, Korean companies presented their contributions to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and greenhouse gas mitigation. Doosan Enerbility showcased its customized wind turbines and small modular reactors (SMRs). POSCO discussed its carbon neutrality strategy. Qcells presented its EcoRecycle technology. Lastly, Hyundai Motor Company shared its mission toward full electric mobility. During the panel discussion, Jong-won Yoon, Visiting Senior Fellow from the Korea Development Institute, emphasized that “God forgives, people forgive, but nature doesn’t.”

The conference concluded with a panel reflecting on key takeaways and next steps to enhance the impact and sustainability of climate action projects.

Student Perspectives: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Among the participants was Solah Ayubi, a KDI School student from Indonesia who is deeply passionate about climate action. He shared how the event broadened his understanding of the connections between finance, policy, and practical solutions. “I joined KED 2025 because of its theme on climate change. Over the past few months, I’ve been part of several conferences and youth initiatives on sustainability, including serving as a delegate at the Global Green Growth Institute Conference and leading a project on digital transformation for the SDGs,” he said. “These experiences strengthened my desire to understand how climate action can be scaled regionally.”

For him, the most valuable takeaway was understanding the role of financial institutions in climate governance. “I realized that climate discussions are not only led by governments and communities but also actively involve financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB). I learned that the ADB supports various climate-related programs, including climate funds, and collaborates across multiple sectors—especially with ASEAN countries in developing taxonomy frameworks,” he explained.

Solah added that the event deepened his perspective on the balance between mitigation and adaptation, and how carbon markets and taxonomies help guide regional climate commitments. “Previously, I thought setting NDC targets was enough. But now I see that the allocation of funds and transparency mechanisms, like the ‘traffic light system,’ are essential to staying on track,” he reflected.

As a student in Climate Change and Economic Policy, he also appreciated the real-world examples that connected directly with his coursework. “In class, we often discuss MRV systems and financing structures; During KED, I finally saw how they are implemented in actual projects by institutions like Hanwha and Hyundai,” she shared.

Collaboration for the Future

In his closing remarks, GKEDC President Kang Dong-soo emphasized the importance of collective effort: “While the roles of governments and the private sector are distinct, collaboration across countries and sectors is vital to turn ideas into actions and commitments into outcomes.”

The 2025 Knowledge Exchange Days successfully demonstrated how shared learning between development institutions, industry leaders, and future policymakers can drive meaningful climate action. 

Empowering Youth for Climate Leadership

The Youth Empathy Stage on the second day featured professionals from the ADB, World Bank, AfDB, and GGGI, who shared their career journeys and advice for students aspiring to become part of MDBs.

Jacques Edjangue, Vice President of AfDB, sharing his career story 

Mary Joy Padilla (MPM 2025, Philippines) shared three key lessons she gained from the session. First is connect with mentors and professionals in your target field and learn from their journeys. Secondly, develop both soft and hard skills. Adaptability, continuous learning, and technical expertise are equally vital; and lastly prioritize mental health and family relationships, as well-being enhances productivity and purpose.

Meanwhile, Pakeeza Mali (MPP 2025, Pakistan) reflected on a speaker’s story: “One of the speakers mentioned she changed her major three times, and that inspired me. I’ve shifted fields myself, and it reminded me that career diversity isn’t a weakness. It builds broader skills and perspectives.”

Round table discussion with the MDB professionals (in photo: Professor Jie-ae Sohn from Ewha Womans University (moderator), Zhuo Cheng from WB, Junkyu Lee from ADB, Jacques Edjangue from AfDB, James Sheppard from GGGI, Jinhee Park and Taeho Kim from WB)

The 2025 KED concluded a cultural night featuring performances from Ewha Womans University students and artists like Gemini, Yuju (GFRIEND), and Brave Girls. 

KDIS students taking a selfie at the KED 2025 Standee