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🇰🇷 South Korea /Environment & Climate

Korea University Hosts Model UN Climate Conference for Over 100 Students

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Korea University hosted the 2026 Model UN Climate Change Conference (MUNCCC) from August 3-5, bringing together over 100 middle and high school students.
  • The conference simulated UN climate negotiations, allowing students to discuss climate agendas and reach agreements from the perspective of various countries.
  • Key topics included national climate responsibility, climate migration, trade-climate regulations, and the Paris Agreement, with a focus on fostering future climate leaders.

Korea University's Institute for World Regional Studies, through its Center for Global Climate and Ocean Governance (CGCMG), hosted the 2026 Model UN Climate Change Conference (MUNCCC) from August 3 to 5. This annual academic program, running since 2011, simulates the negotiation processes of the actual UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties.

Over 100 middle and high school students participated, taking on the roles of national delegates to discuss climate agendas and forge agreements. The event was co-hosted by CGCMG, the Song Sang-hyun Foundation for International Justice and Peace, the Center for Climate, Environment, Law and Policy (CSDLAP) at Seoul National University, and the Korean Society for Climate Change Research. The opening ceremony on August 3rd was attended by distinguished guests including Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea, and Lee Chang-hoon, Chairperson of the National Climate Crisis Response Committee.

Participants engaged in discussions tailored to their age groups, covering topics such as a nation's climate responsibility based on the International Court of Justice's advisory opinions, the protection of climate migrants, trade and climate-related regulations, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and the equitable distribution of responsibilities for phasing out fossil fuels. Students from Korea University's International Organization Society (KIOSS) played a direct role in organizing the event, gaining practical experience and leadership skills.

Lee Chang-hoon, Chairperson of the National Climate Crisis Response Committee, delivered a keynote address, referencing the Constitutional Court's 2024 decision on a climate lawsuit filed by youth against the government. He emphasized that climate crisis is a challenge requiring systemic solutions beyond individual actions. "The youth and young adults participating in today's conference are partners who will shape climate policy together and lead the future," he stated, encouraging their active involvement.

The youth and young adults participating in today's conference are partners who will shape climate policy together and lead the future.

— Lee Chang-hoonChairperson of the National Climate Crisis Response Committee, in his keynote address
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Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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