U.S.-Korea Young Climate Activists Exchange Program

In 2022, the Northern Nevada International Center at the University of Nevada, Reno hosted the U.S.- Korea Young Climate Activists Exchange Program, an exchange program for young climate professionals in the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to meet and create shared environmental goals. In August, the delegation toured Washington D.C., Boulder, Colorado and Reno, Nevada, and in October traveled to ROK to further implement and uncover best practices for initiatives that will improve the health of . 

The program was created after the May 2021 summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Moon Jae-in as the two countries sought to expand their partnership. It provides 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. The groups are also invited to culture outings and, in 2022, attended the 2th annual Lake Tahoe Summit hosted by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

In August, ROK participants toured 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, 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. 

NNIC is optimistic that the Young Climate Activist Exchange Program participants will have more stories to share in the coming year as they continue working on mitigating harmful effects of climate change and creating new ways to positively impact our environment.

• Program pillar (e.g. R&R/Exchanges): Exchanges
• Application period: Closed
• Program dates: August and October 2022

Program partners or funding

The U.S.-Korea Young Climate Exchange Program was fully funded by a grant from the U.S. Embassy Seoul.

Program lead

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