Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) and its HUSS Climate Change Response Project Team (Director Kang Yoon Hee) conducted the “Eurasia Climate Solutions 2026” overseas field study program in Uzbekistan and Georgia from June 25 to July 3, spanning 7 nights and 9 days.

This program was organized to conduct on-site investigations of climate change response and sustainable development initiatives. Participating students visited international organizations, corporations, environmental groups, and universities, and interacted with local officials and university students.

In Tashkent, Uzbekistan, they visited the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to examine green growth policies, sustainable development strategies, and climate change response projects. At KOTRA, they received a briefing on Uzbekistan’s industrial structure and market environment, as well as potential areas of cooperation in eco-friendly industries and energy transition; they also exchanged views with students from Ajou University in Tashkent (AUT) on the cultures of both countries and environmental issues.

In Georgia, they visited the environmental organization Ecovision and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). At Ecovision, they examined citizen-led environmental protection activities and the role of local communities, while at UNDP, they investigated sustainable development and climate change response projects, as well as examples of development cooperation linked to local communities. Through interviews with environmental journalists, they also examined Georgia’s major environmental issues and related news coverage. Together with local university students, they toured green spaces, public areas, and pedestrian environments in downtown Tbilisi, discussing the impact of urban planning and environmental policies on citizens’ lives.

In the Kazbegi region, they investigated the natural environment of the Caucasus Mountains and the current status of tourism development. The students examined the perennial snow, vegetation, and water quality in the high-altitude region and assessed the waste generated by the increase in tourists as well as the management status of tourism infrastructure. Based on this, they reviewed the impact of climate change and tourism development on the local environment.

A roundtable discussion was also held with a Kookmin University alumnus who operates a wine distribution business in Georgia. Participants examined the relationship between the wine industry, climatic conditions, and the local economy, and received an explanation regarding overseas business opportunities and career paths.

In Uzbekistan, through an interview with Wang Min-seok, Director at Korea Western Power, they investigated international development cooperation projects and local partnership models. Focusing on case studies involving public institutions, corporations, and local communities, they explored ways to link Korea’s development cooperation experience with local needs.

Kookmin University’s Climate Change Response Project Team plans to continue offering various overseas field study and international exchange programs to ensure students develop the practical skills and global perspective needed to address the climate crisis alongside the international community.

Meanwhile, as the lead institution of the HUSS Environmental Consortium, Kookmin University is promoting interdisciplinary education that transcends the boundaries between universities and academic disciplines under the theme of “Coexistence and Mutual Prosperity in the Era of the Climate Crisis,” in collaboration with Duksung Women’s University, Ulsan University, Inha University, and Chosun University. The university is committed to cultivating future-oriented humanities and social sciences talent equipped with problem-solving skills and interdisciplinary thinking.

△ Field trip to Kazbegi to study climate change as part of the Eurasia Climate Solutions 2026 program