KDI-World Bank Planet Vice Presidency Joint Session and MOU Signing Ceremony Held

On May 7, 2026, KDI hosted a joint session and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony with the World Bank Planet Vice Presidency.

The event was organized to strengthen the foundation for cooperation between KDI and the World Bank and to discuss directions for joint research and policy collaboration on global development agendas, including climate change, environment, and sustainable development. The event was attended by KDI President Se Jik Kim, World Bank Planet Vice President Guangzhe Chen, and officials from both institutions, who also exchanged views on potential areas for future collaboration.

During the session, Dr. Jungwook Kim, Executive Director of the Center for International Development (CID) at KDI, introduced KDI and CID’s major research activities and international development cooperation programs. Dr. Yeochang Yoon, Fellow at KDI’s Division of Industry and Market Policy, delivered a presentation titled “Market Design for Climate and Energy Policy,” introducing his research on institutional mechanisms and market structures for climate and energy policy, including emissions trading systems (ETS), electricity markets, and renewable energy markets. Dr. Heehyun Rosa Lim, Associate Fellow at the same division, shared policy implications related to changes in the global trade environment and the transition toward carbon neutrality, with a focus on climate and trade issues.

On behalf of the World Bank, Richard Damania, Chief Economic Advisor of the Planet Vice Presidency, presented the department’s major research achievements and policy directions in response to global environmental and climate challenges. His presentation highlighted how environmental issues such as air pollution, deforestation, and water crises affect economic growth and development, while emphasizing the importance of integrated policy approaches and international cooperation for addressing climate change and achieving sustainable growth. He also introduced potential areas for expanded collaboration between KDI and the World Bank, including joint research, workshops and conferences, and staff exchange programs.

During the MOU signing ceremony, KDI and the World Bank reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various areas, including joint research, seminars, and knowledge sharing. Building on this partnership, the two institutions plan to further enhance policy research and collaboration on key global agendas such as climate change, environment, and sustainable development.

Written by: Jee Hee Yoon, Senior Research Associate, Division of Development Research, Center for International Development (CID), KDI, 044-550-4424, jhyoon@kdi.re.kr