2024, February 6

Inchul Hwang, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank Group Korea Office, spearheads the Regional E-mobility and Battery Storage Program for Pacific Islands. The World Bank prioritizes green energy, discontinuing fossil fuel support and progressing through three-year phases, with the current phase ending in 2024. Engaging in knowledge-sharing projects like ASA for East Asia and Pacific countries, including Mongolia and the Philippines, the Bank supports energy transition. Flagship events like the World Bank Energy Forum and collaborations with Korean partners like KEPCO and the Ministry of Trade contribute to global energy solutions. Korea aims to lead in Energy Capacity Building, inviting client country officials for education. The journey echoes global efforts, emphasizing diverse solutions from AI to electric vehicles for sustainable development. Inspired by a Malawian boy named William, who created a wind turbine, the narrative embodies the quest for innovative energy solutions across all industries.

Junu Shrestha, Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank Group, shares insights on environmental challenges and experiences. With 15 years at the Bank, Shrestha focused on climate finance and project development, notably in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently based in Korea, he aims to showcase Korea's strengths, particularly in plastic waste management and river purification technology, sharing expertise globally. Assessing project impact based on a country's needs, he emphasizes the role of specialists in determining feasible and cost-effective solutions, acknowledging the challenge of introducing Korean technology in developing countries and the importance of finding practical and affordable approaches.

Dr. Zaki B. Khoury, Senior Digital Development Specialist at the World Bank Group, underscores the critical importance of digitalization. Reflecting on the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasizes that digitalization is not merely a focus but a constant presence shaping daily life. Highlighting Korea's digital growth, he discusses three key trends: the vast expansion of data, the scarcity of skills to turn data into economic value, and the opportunity to invest in data analytics skills. Dr. Khoury addresses the challenges and opportunities in digital development, citing the emergence of new inequalities and the necessity for digital infrastructure. Drawing from examples like Korea's "Data Dam" project, he stresses the need for a digital ecosystem to create opportunities and emphasizes the centrality of digital security and payment methods. As a digital pioneer, Korea's experience offers valuable insights for global development in the digital era.

Narae Kim, Senior Urban Development Specialist at the World Bank Group, shares her journey from the Samsung IT sector to international development. Having witnessed the complexities of international development during a railroad project in Manila, she emphasizes the importance of considering local perspectives in development projects. Stressing the significance of Environmental Social Safeguard, she highlights the need to protect local communities during the international development process. Kim encourages understanding Korea's story and approaching development projects from the beneficiary's viewpoint. She underscores the importance of critical thinking, seeking answers based on one's perspective, and learning about areas of personal interest as essential for contributing to diverse agendas in international development.