KOICA-INU’s Climate Training Program fosters endogenous capacity of developing countries and RD&D collaboration

South Korea - CTCN is supporting Incheon National University (INU, South Korea), who recently joined as a CTCN Network member, to foster the capacity building of trainee officers in developing countries through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)-INU Master's Degree Program in Capacity Building for Response to Climate Change⁽¹⁾.

KOICA-INU Master's Degree Program in Capacity Building for Response to Climate Change is a 17-month resident study program held at Incheon National University from 16th August 2023 to 27th December 2024, which is the second batch of the KOICA-INU’ s Climate Training program.

The master’s degree offers a whole-of-system approach to responding to climate change. It looks at causes and effects, and adaptation and mitigation solutions, including:

• Environmental Cooperation for Building a Resource Efficient Society to Respond to Climate Change,
• Air Quality and Management,
• Environmental Engineering,
• Sustainable Waste Management for a Healthy Urban Ecosystem,
• Indoor Environment and Management,
• Climate Change and Response,
• Environmental Management Engineering and Disaster Risk Reduction,
• Renewable Energy, and
• Environmental Planning and Policy.

The course looks also at the project development and management of international development projects, climate change studies, construction of GHGs inventory, understanding local climate issues, green lifestyle, green business and education, governance and policies against climate change, cooperation between developed and developing countries, climate technologies for climate resilient smart cities, economic models, energy markets and policies. 

“This master program  is tackling climate change issues through a whole-of-system approach. It recognises the complexity, interconnectedness and compounding factors underpinning climate change, and the exacerbated vulnerabilities especially in developing countries. It also looks at assets, solutions, knowledge and technologies to assess issues and find sustainable solutions. The curriculum does not leave any stone unturned, from global climate leadership to gas inventory analysis and everything in between. We are looking forward to sharing and exchanging INU-KOICA’s climate knowledge and resources, with next generation climate pioneers and leaders”, said Prof. Heekwan Lee, Ph.D., Director of INU-KOICA Climate Training Program.

The Master program combines theory as well as hands-on experience with field visit opportunities to share the Republic of Korea's development experiences and equip participants with knowledge and skills to promote and contribute to sustainable development in their respective countries.

The Master program is also a bridge to enter both Korean national and global platforms working on the frontline of climate change, strengthening cooperation, and relationships with scholars, professionals, and government officials from both the Republic of Korea and other countries. 

“The collaboration with Incheon National University (INU), is a stepping stone to foster endogenous capacity of developing countries and venue to RD&D collaboration; it is a perfect example of walking the talk of international cooperation, making resources and knowledge available to the future climate leaders of developing countries”, said Rose Mwebaza, Director of the CTCN. 

(1) INU’s Climate Training Program is funded by Korea International Cooperation Agency, KOICA established by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and INU in part, and provides official development assistance (ODA) for developing countries and technical cooperation programs. Funded scholarships are available for nationals from developing countries, see eligibility requirements. To keep up to date with the Programme next calls, click here.