Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
World Bank and Korea to Host Korea Green Innovation Days 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., October 20, 2025 – The World Bank and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF) of the Republic of Korea today opened the 14th Korea Green Innovation Days (KGID), the flagship annual event of the Korea Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF). Held at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., the three-day event convenes policymakers, experts, and innovators from around the globe to accelerate solutions that link green growth with the creation of quality jobs.
Under the theme “The Green Growth Path to Align Vision, Partnership, and Purpose,” KGID 2025 focuses on how investing in sustainable innovation and development not only safeguards the planet but also drives economic opportunity, strengthens communities, and fosters prosperity.
A Platform for Global Exchange and Partnership
Launched in 2011, the KGGTF has become one of the World Bank’s most successful partnerships, enabling client countries to design and implement strategies that reduce poverty and advance climate resilience. To date, KGGTF-supported programs have leveraged $31 billion in World Bank lending and co-financing. In the past year alone, 20 new grants totaling $10.6 million were endorsed across 23 countries.
“The Korea Green Growth Trust Fund is distinctive in its support across all World Bank sectors, helping integrate green growth approaches at scale,” said Richard Damania, Chief Economist of the World Bank’s Planet Vice Presidency. “Jobs are at the core of this year’s KGID agenda, because linking sustainable action to quality employment speaks directly to people’s aspirations for prosperity, dignity, and resilience.”
On behalf of the Government of Korea, Jisung Moon, Director General of the Development Finance Bureau at MOEF, emphasized Korea’s commitment: “The KGGTF has become a global bridge between Korea and the international community. By expanding our annual contribution, we are scaling up impact and helping countries pursue resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth.”
Highlights of KGID 2025
Over three days, KGID participants will explore the intersection of climate action, innovation, and employment through high-level plenaries, bilateral meetings, and sector-specific breakout sessions. Key discussions will include:
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Talking Green Growth: The Path to Sustainable Jobs – exploring how investments in climate-smart industries create new employment opportunities.
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AI and Emerging Technologies – examining the role of artificial intelligence and digital innovation in shaping future green jobs.
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Green Jobs Joint Session with the Korea Development Institute (KDI) – highlighting real-world examples where investment-driven growth is delivering livelihoods.
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Sectoral Breakouts – on urban regeneration, smart agriculture, clean energy, sustainable transport, circular economy, forestry, oceans, and climate finance.
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Next Generation Leaders Session – spotlighting youth leadership and innovation in advancing climate solutions.
The event also includes tailored one-on-one bilateral meetings between World Bank task teams, client countries, and Korean Knowledge Partners to generate new partnerships, joint initiatives, and co-financing opportunities.
A Homecoming with Greater Significance
KGID returns to Washington, D.C. for the first time since its inaugural edition in 2014. The location underscores the enduring partnership between the World Bank and Korea, bringing Korean ministries, agencies, and research institutes face-to-face with World Bank staff and client representatives at the institution’s headquarters.
“Our gathering this year is more than a conference—it is a catalyst for innovation, jobs, and collaboration,” said Hyoung Gun Wang, KGGTF Program Manager. “By connecting knowledge, finance, and technology, KGID 2025 will help countries pursue a greener, more resilient, and more inclusive development path.”
About the Korea Green Growth Trust Fund
The Korea Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF), established in 2011, is a partnership between the World Bank and the Republic of Korea that supports client countries in pursuing green, sustainable development. With $128 million invested in more than 230 activities to date, the Fund delivers innovative, demand-driven grants across agriculture, energy, digital development, environment, transport, urban development, and water.
For more information on KGID 2025 and KGGTF’s work, visit https://events.wbgkggtf.org/
Media Contacts:
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Katarlah Taylor: ktaylor2@worldbank.org