About
KGGTF hosts a 6-month Youth Internship program that aims to inspire youth engagement in green growth and to empower participants to become future leaders.
Interns participate in a leadership program that includes lectures from the World Bank, K-partners, and universities, and attend site visits, and complete various assignments. They also actively support KGGTF operations and contribute to Knowledge Exchange visits, communications, monitoring and evaluation activities, and partnership engagement.
KGGTF Youth Internship Program Brochure
Message from Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance
The impact of global climate change will be felt most directly on future young generations. For them, global climate change is a crisis, but it can also be an opportunity if they prepare for it from the early stages of their career development. Despite the challenges facing the world, we remain hopeful for the future. If multiple organizations and countries work together to find solutions, we are witnessing infinite possibilities.
Over the next six months, you will embark on an enriching journey filled with practical work within the World Bank, as well as various lectures and exciting site visits. You'll not only develop a better understanding of your chosen field, but you'll also form lasting relationships with colleagues, mentors, and experts. Therefore, I believe that completing this program will not be just a course or internship, but a valuable experience with tremendous potential to change your future.
-Sang Kyoo Lee, Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Republic of Korea
Interns
KGGTF youth interns are selected through a competitive process that follows the World Bank Group’s recruitment process, in collaboration with Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance Career Fair and three prestigious universities --Yonsei, Seoul National, and Yeungnam.
Interns participate in fireside chat with Ajay Banga, World Bank Group President
KGGTF Youth interns had an opportunity to attend a lecture with the World Bank Group's President, Ajay Banga, at Seoul National University on January 24, 2024, where he encouraged the active participation of young Korean talent in World Bank initiatives.
Acknowledging Korea as a robust supporter of the World Bank's agenda, Banga expressed a desire for increased collaboration and discussed specific programs aimed at engaging young professionals in addressing critical global issues.
Publications
KGGTF youth interns generate original knowledge and analytical insights that can serve as lasting resources for both current and future audiences. Below are outputs from various youth internship cohorts.
The publications are results of the efforts of the KGGTF Youth Interns participating in the KGGTF Youth Internship program. They do not represent the work of the WBG, nor do the view or perspectives expressed therein reflect those of the KGGTF.
The following KGGTF Sectoral Portfolio Books, recently published by KGGTF Youth Interns, compile key insights across Energy, Urban, Agriculture, Water, Environment, Transport, and Digital Development. Reviewed by senior sector experts across the Bank, the portfolios serve as practical knowledge resources on sector trends, challenges, and opportunities. As living documents, they will be updated annually by future cohorts of KGGTF Youth Interns to ensure their continued relevance and value.
This research poster on young adults’ perceptions and use of artificial intelligence (AI) was recently published by members of the 2026 KGGTF Youth Internship Program. The study explored awareness of AI’s ethical and environmental implications, including privacy, fairness, accountability, and data-center energy consumption. By examining how one of the most active user groups understands and engages with AI, the research offers insights for promoting more responsible and sustainable AI adoption.
A new research report from the 2026 KGGTF Youth Internship Program examines how the Republic of Korea achieved sustained citizen behavioral change in support of green growth policies.
Through case studies on the Volume-Based Waste Fee system, waste facility siting, and Seoul’s Namsan tunnel congestion pricing, the report highlights how incentives, reduced barriers, social norms, trust, and effective communication can drive lasting behavioral change. The findings offer practical lessons for policymakers seeking to advance green growth objectives in diverse country contexts. The report was authored by Jiyon Shin, Sungbin Nah, Jooyeon Han, Jisoo Kim, and Jihye Kang.
Interns Outputs
KGGTF Youth interns participate in and contribute to various activities during the program. Below are outputs that highlight various aspects of the internship program.
Testimonials
"I would like to express my gratitude to KGGTF and the staff for providing us with these amazing opportunities to experience diverse and eye-opening lectures over the past six months."
Kyunghwan (David) Choi, 2024 Intern
"Not only the well-organized lectures and site visits, but also learning from my fellow interns were absolutely valuable."
Hanna Choi, 2024 Intern
“The meticulously organized programs, comprising site visits, lectures, and team assignments, instilled in me a profound sense of inspiration regarding sustainability and the imperative of contributing to the creation of a habitable Earth. Witnessing the commitment of both the Republic of Korea and KGGTF to this cause was truly impressive. On a personal level, this experience has fueled my motivation to learn effective storytelling.”
Kyunghun Choi, 2024 Intern