The Global Sustainability Lecture Series launched
Aimed at nurturing experts in the field of Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and expanding the international network
Jointly hosted by the ESG Research Institute and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities

▲ Professor Ok Yong-sik from the Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering (left), Professor Rhee Jay-hyuk from the Business School (right)

The Global Sustainability Lecture Series, co-organized by Professor Rhee Jay-hyuk from the Business School (Director of the Korea University ESG Research Institute) and Professor Ok Yong-sik from the Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering (Chair and Program Director of the Association of Pan-Pacific Universities) of Korea University, has been launched.

This course will be delivered entirely in English and made available online free of charge from April through December 2024. Esteemed scholars from the United States, Europe and Korea, specializing in the field of ESG, will provide comprehensive lectures on a variety of topics. These include ESG-related policy issues in key countries, pressing environmental challenges such as critical minerals, batteries, climate change, biodiversity, waste, and hydrogen energy, as well as methods of sustainability evaluation and the application of evaluation results.

Professor Rhee Jay-hyuk will serve as a keynote speaker for the lecture series in August. He will be joined by experts and panelists from various countries to discuss the importance and best practices of ESG management.

The Global Sustainability Lecture Series aims to establish a crucial global knowledge network by bringing together leading ESG experts and practitioners from around the world. This network will provide a solid foundation for the development of the ESG management practices needed by South Korean companies in the ESG era. Specifically, the series will introduce the definition and methodologies of ESG, taking into account both domestic and international ESG-related circumstances and corporate conditions. The goal of the program is to train experts in the field and broaden the international network for the future.

Professor Ok Yong-sik   from the Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering commented, “South Korea is among the top 10 science and technology powerhouses worldwide, yet no South Korean university ranks in the top 10 globally.” He emphasized, “While conducting research is crucial for universities, equally important is how they disseminate their findings. The Global Sustainability Lecture Series presents an opportunity for South Korea to lead the discussion on ‘sustainable development.’ Through this initiative, I aim to enhance South Korea’s standing on the global stage and share significant research outcomes in key areas such as ESG, with the hope of improving the rankings of South Korean universities.”

▲ (From left) Professor Rhee Jay-hyuk from KU Business School; Sumana Manohar, Director of BlackRock; 

Professor Shawn Cole from Harvard Business School; Professor Ok Yong-sik from KU’s Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering