On September 23, the Global Green Growth Supporters, an outreach program under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), visited the Institute of Russian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS). The program aims to raise awareness among the younger generation about green growth, climate change, and environmental diplomacy, and to help nurture future experts in the fields of climate and environment.

This year’s 14th cohort of the Global Green Growth Supporters is composed of 24 university students from 14 universities across the nation, including Konkuk University, Kyonggi University, Kyung Hee University, Kookmin University, Pukyong National University, Sogang University, University of Seoul, Sejong University, Sookmyung Women’s University, Yonsei University, Inha University, Chungnam National University, Chung-Ang University, and HUFS.

Focusing on Arctic climate change as their main theme for 2024, the supporters have been studying Arctic cultures, promoting awareness of the importance of the Arctic environment, and exploring possible responses to climate change. In connection with this theme, they visited the Institute of Russian Studies, which has conducted extensive research on the Arctic, to attend a series of in-depth lectures on Arctic studies.

The program began with an introduction to the institute by Professor Choi Woo-Ik, Director of the Institute of Russian Studies, who explained the institute’s major projects, research focus areas, and key achievements in Arctic studies.

Following that, Professor Kim Hye-Jin delivered a lecture on the culture, daily life, and challenges of ethnic minorities in Russia’s northern regions, as well as the Russian government’s policies toward these communities.

Finally, Professor Ra Seung-Do offered a lecture titled “Exploring Arctic Culture through Film,” highlighting the dilemma between environmental conservation and development in the Arctic region.

Throughout the two-hour session, the supporters actively engaged by posing insightful questions and exchanging views with the professors, demonstrating their strong interest in the culture and environment of the Russian Arctic.