Background

With a focus on ambitious and expanded greenhouse gas reduction targets, countries worldwide are projected to greatly increase their deployment of renewable and clean energy. Particularly in developing nations, there is a steady rise in demand for renewable and clean energy as countries strive to simultaneously pursue economic development and greenhouse gas mitigation goals. The Post-2015 Declaration[1] adopted at the UN Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2015 underscores the role of renewable energy in sustainable development. Among the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the seventh goal, "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and clean energy for all", highlights the expansion of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2), as well as international cooperation for the expansion of renewable energy in developing countries.

According to the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP)[2], to facilitate greenhouse gas reductions in developing countries, engaging in comprehensive international cooperation and solidarity encompassing expanded renewable energy deployment through green Official Development Assistance (ODA), the linkage between business support initiatives, information and personnel exchanges, technology advisory services, and specialized education is imperative. While Korea once was a recipient of ODA, there is now a growing consensus that it should reciprocate by extending support. Indeed, Korea aims to increase the proportion of ODA in the green sector significantly above the OECD average by 2025 and has pledged $300 million for future ODA projects2. To enhance the effectiveness of green ODA, it plans to utilize various financing methods like bilateral, multilateral cooperation, and public-private partnerships and focus on areas such as green energy and eco-friendly mobility in developing countries to promote capacity development and sustainable growth2. The KIEP2 also highlights Korea’s support for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and its plan to expand cooperation with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) by establishing a Green New Deal Fund. This fund aims to support consulting and financing activities in five major Green New Deal areas, including energy, transportation, smart city development, water management, sanitation, and agriculture, starting in 20222.

The Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) conducts ODA projects[3] to address the carbon neutrality issues faced by underdeveloped or developing countries. KIAT implements Green ODA to establish eco-friendly energy infrastructure in developing nations. For instance, in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, known for their natural beauty, KIAT installs solar-powered microgrids to achieve fossil fuel elimination3. Additionally, installing Frequency Regulation Energy Storage Systems (FR-ESS) in Senegal to address power grid instability is another noteworthy initiative3. These initiatives address climate change, affordable and sustainable clean energy, and contribute to other cross-cutting Sustainable Development Goals in developing countries.

However, supporting energy projects in developing countries can face a variety of risks and barriers across different categories. For example, green/energy ODA in Mongolia[4] faces significant challenges due to the country's extreme cold climate, heavy reliance on coal, and public skepticism towards government measures. The harsh winters necessitate high energy consumption for heating, predominantly met by coal-fired power plants, which exacerbates air pollution and carbon emissions.

As shown by Mongolia, despite efforts to introduce cleaner technologies and renewable energy, the adoption of such environment-friendly technologies in developing countries can be hindered by the high initial costs, technical difficulties, and unreliable wind and solar energy sources due to fluctuating weather conditions. Additionally, in some developing nations, there is widespread public criticism and mistrust regarding alternative fuels' effectiveness and environmental impact like improved briquettes4. Addressing the challenges of sustainable energy adoption in developing nations therefore requires a multifaceted approach. This includes bolstering international climate financing, fostering collaborative efforts between public and private sectors, and conducting extensive public awareness campaigns to instill trust in new technologies. Long-term energy policies integrating carbon pricing mechanisms and incentives for foreign investment are also crucial for achieving significant emissions reductions and improving overall energy efficiency in these regions[5].

Against this backdrop, the UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/Jeju International Training Center plans to organize a Youth Workshop on “Shaping Sustainable Future-oriented Energy Landscape for Next-Gen Leaders”, on6^th - 7^th August 2024 at the Jeju International Training Center. JITC recognizes the importance of addressing diverse energy needs through ODA and relevant challenges across developingcountries, and would like to provide valuable insights, knowledge exchange, and collaborative opportunities. Through expert-led sessions and site-visit sessions,JITC aims to empowerparticipants from developing countries with the tools and strategies necessary to understand the complexities of the future-oriented energy landscape and contribute to driving the transition towards renewable energy in their home countries.We extend a warm invitation to all selected participants and look forward to a productive and impactful workshop.