Kookmin University and Qatar’s GORD agree to train climate talent and cooperate on green industry

Kookmin University’s environmental consortium has partnered with Qatar’s Gulf Organization for Research and Development to give students practical experience in climate industries and international carbon markets.

The memorandum of understanding was signed at Kookmin University on September 1. Representatives from the five universities in the HUSS environmental consortium attended, including Duksung Women’s University, the University of Ulsan, Inha University and Chosun University.

GORD, founded in 2009 by Yousef Alhorr, is a Qatari quasi-governmental organisation responsible for sustainability-related work under Qatar National Vision 2030. Its activities include operating the Global Sustainability Assessment System, applied research on carbon, energy efficiency, renewable energy and water, professional training and carbon-neutrality consulting.

The agreement covers education and practical experience related to voluntary carbon markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The partners also plan exchanges with GORD and Qatari universities, student research and startup projects in climate technology, and career and employment networks in the Middle East.

Internships and practical programmes linked to GORD’s Global Carbon Council are expected to give students direct exposure to the international carbon market. The partners plan to broaden cooperation to other Qatari universities and relevant institutions through joint education, research and overseas links for climate-tech startups and student projects.

Kookmin University said the partnership supports its effort to develop interdisciplinary talent able to approach environmental problems through the humanities and social sciences. The university has identified water, energy and the environment as priority areas under its KMU VISION 2035: EDGE strategy.