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The U.S. Korea Climate Activists Exchange Program is a transformative platform for Korean climate activists aiming to deepen their engagement with the global community on climate protection policies and activism. Dive into action-packed workshops, network with global leaders, and experience the power of bilateral collaboration between the U.S. and Korea. Seize this chance to amplify your impact, shape the future of climate justice, and become a force for change. 

Eight participants will be selected for this all-expenses-paid exchange program. Candidates must be those individuals holding Korean citizenship who are able to participate in the U.S. program during the activity period. They must have an understanding of and experience in climate change and environmental protection, as well as academic or professional experience in related fields. Candidates will be seriously considered if they possess the ability and passion to lead climate justice and change, and who wish to act for social responsibility and a sustainable future. Candidates must have an interest in international exchange and collaboration and an interest in enhancing their capabilities through multicultural experiences or international networking.

The program aims to meet the U.S. and ROK's efforts on climate crisis. President Biden and ROK President Yoon agreed to track the climate crisis and strengthen our efforts to fight it after confirming that no two countries are better suited to meet the challenges ahead than the Republic of Korea and the United States from the Biden-Yoon Summit in 2023. The first program in 2022 provided participants with a deeper understanding of the U.S. and ROK's commitments to address climate change, engaging them in site visits, professional meetings and workshops with national and international organizations. That year, participants went on to tour Washington D.C., Boulder, Colorado, and Reno, Nevada, meeting and networking with contacts at government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and those companies spearheading climate change and sustainability efforts. They met their American counterparts in Reno, Nevada at the close of the tour. In October of 2022, the U.S. participants traveled to six cities in ROK, completing workshops, networking meetings, cultural outings, and site visits. The visit culminated with a relationship-building event in Seoul with their Korean counterparts.

Participants had the chance to reimagine their solutions by experiencing alternative solutions that are making a difference. They gained new insights about what works, and what is possible, in the world of climate activism, and created lifelong relationships that will no doubt blossom over the years in order to introduce grander climate solutions to the world. Participants included some of the two participating countries’ most innovative leaders who are driven to preserve the globe for future generations. 

In 2024, NNIC is confident the U.S. – Korea Climate Activist Exchange Program participants will create even more stories to share as they continue working on mitigating the harmful effects of climate change and creating new ways to positively impact our environment.

• Program pillar (e.g. R&R/Exchanges): Exchanges
• Application period: March 31, 2024 (Korea time)
• Program dates: August 7-15, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado (USA) and Reno, Nevada (USA)

Program partners or funding

The U.S.-Korea Climate Leaders Exchange Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Embassy Seoul and supported in its implementation by the Northern Nevada International Center. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the Northern Nevada International Center and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Embassy Seoul.

Program lead

For more information about the Climate Activist Exchange Program, please contact International Development Specialist Kevin Hyunjae Sung at kevins@nnic.org or (775) 233-5853.