Discussing Poverty and Climate Change with High School and University Students from Around the Country
Korea University hosts the 2023 Korea Model United Nations (KMUN) Conference with world-renowned experts in various fields present

▲ (From left) Tae-yul Cho, Former UN Ambassador; Yong-deok Kim, (former chief justice) President of the SongSangHyun Foundation; Suh-yong Chung, Professor from the Division of International Studies, Korea University; Maria Castelló Fernández, EU Ambassador; Kyung-nam Shin, Deputy Manager of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

The Global Research Institute (GRI), Center for Global Climate and Marine Governance, and Specialized Graduate School for Carbon Sequestration, in collaboration with the Seoul Peace and Human Rights Foundation and the Climate and Environmental Law Policy Center, organized the 2023 Korea Model United Nations (KMUN) under the theme of “Poverty and Climate Change” on July 14th, at 10 AM. 

This event was jointly organized with the SongSangHyun Foundation, the Center for Climate and Sustainable Development Law and Policy affiliated with the Seoul International Law Academy, and the Korean Society of Climate Change Research.

KMUN, which ran from July 14 to 16, focused on issues that call for international cooperation, such as climate change, environment, poverty, and human rights, with 120 high school and university students from all over the country in attendance. They engaged in discussions in the committees of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The opening ceremony of the event began with a welcome address by Professor Suh-yong Chung, Director of Korea University's Center for Global Climate and Marine Governance, followed by congratulatory remarks delivered by the former President of the International Criminal Court Sang-hyun Song, EU Ambassador Maria Castelló Fernández, and Director Anne Juepner of the UNDP Seoul Policy Center. President Yong-deok Kim (former chief justice) of the SongSangHyun Foundation also attended the event.

Former UN Ambassador Tae-yeol Cho delivered a keynote speech at the event. He conveyed a message based on his experience about the importance of international organizations for the international community and South Korea's diplomacy with such organizations.

Following the keynote speech, Professor Suh-Yong Chung, Director of Korea University's Center for Global Climate and Marine Governance, gave a special lecture on the role of international organizations in dealing with climate change. He discussed the role of international organizations as non-state actors, as well as state actors, in addressing climate change, one of the most critical global agenda items.

▲ Opening Ceremony of KMUN Summer 2023

Professor Chung stressed the significance of this event by stating, “This event will provide an opportunity for high school and university students from around the country to discuss the roles of the UN and other international organizations in bringing together the efforts of all members of the global community. In doing so, they can explore ways to engage in the activities of these organizations and grow into global leaders who can inspire and lead changes around the world. During preparation phase, this event has also involved student clubs, such as the Korea University International Organizations Student Society (KIOSS) affiliated with the Division of International Studies, thereby offering chances for students to develop leadership skills.”

The three-day event enabled participants to take part in debates focusing on the `specific topics assigned to each committee. This allowed students to discuss a wide range of global issues and gain valuable insights into the functions of international organizations. Moreover, the event served as a platform for students to develop into future global leaders, empowering them to drive positive changes worldwide. Additionally, KIOSS and other student clubs were invited to contribute to the event's preparation, providing students with another avenue to enhance their leadership skills.