On the morning of September 23rd, the Ministry of Environment (Minister Cho Myung-rae) will hold a signboard ceremony for the "International Environmental Cooperation Center (hereinafter referred to as the center)", a specialized organization in international environmental cooperation, at the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul and start to fully operate the center.

※ International Environmental Cooperation Center (IECC)

As the importance of international environmental cooperation in areas such as climate change and fine dust is becoming ever more important, the Ministry has promoted to designate the center for the purpose of enhancing Korea's international environmental leadership and environmental cooperation between countries.

Therefore, the Ministry established a legal basis for the center by amending the "Framework Act On Environmental Policy" in November last year. As the relevant laws* were enforced on May 27th this year, the center was promoted through a contest (June 16th~July 3rd) to recruit institutions that apply for the designation of the center.

* Article 27-2 of the "Framework Act on Environmental Policy", Article 12-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the same Act, etc.

After an expert examination (July 8th) for the applicant institution's capability, expertise and adequacy to the project plan, the KEITI was designated as the center on July 10th and accordingly, the center was formed on September 1st through a consignment contract and has been working on the assignment.

The center will perform tasks to enhance Korea's international environmental cooperation and environmental leadership in the international community.

It discovers policy research as well as research and cooperation projects for international environmental cooperation while collecting, analyzing and distributing information on international environmental agreements and regulations.

Also, it supports the holding of international exhibitions and academic conferences for environmental information and technology exchange as well as the signing of a memorandum of understanding with foreign governments and international organizations.

In addition, it carries out tasks such as establishing and operating an information system for international environmental cooperation, and training experts for international environmental cooperation.

"To overcome COVID-19 as well as climate and environmental crisis, international solidarity and cooperation are more important than ever", said Minister Cho Myung-rae. "I hope the International Environmental Cooperation Center plays a key role in the expansion of "Global Green New Deal Solidarity*" for green recovery", he added.

* President Moon Jae-in of Korea made the suggestion at a high-level conference commemorating the 75th anniversary of the UN General Assembly (September 21st, 2020)