The Korea Association for Green Campus Initiative (KAGCI) was established in 2008 as a non-profit incorporated association authorized by the Ministry of Education to promote sustainability education and research, infrastructure development, green management at universities, and collaboration with local communities. Today, KAGCI has 50 member universities.
KAGCI was the first organization in Korea to introduce the concept of the green campus. On May 13, 2009, we held the “Green Campus Presidents’ Declaration,” which helped raise awareness among universities and contributed to the nationwide expansion of green campus initiatives. KAGCI has also engaged in various forms of international exchange and cooperation as a leading organization representing Korea in this field.

As the world confronts the climate crisis, countries and institutions are declaring carbon neutrality by 2050 and working toward net-zero carbon emissions across all sectors. Universities, as major energy-consuming institutions, also have a responsibility not only to achieve carbon neutrality but also to demonstrate leadership throughout local communities as institutions of education.

Accordingly, KAGCI will work together with its member universities to promote sustainable campuses and lead the green transition. Through cooperation with a wide range of organizations in Korea and abroad, we will take the lead in advancing and expanding efforts related to carbon neutrality, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ESG, and sustainable development. We will also further strengthen exchange and cooperation among universities and enhance KAGCI’s role in building a more sustainable society.

Thank you.

I am Ryu Deok-ki, the 6th President of the Korea Association for Green Campus Initiative.
The Korea Association for Green Campus Initiative (KAGCI) was established in 2008 to contribute to the development of sustainable campuses and low-carbon green growth. Since then, KAGCI has worked with member universities across Korea to promote green campuses, advance education and research for sustainable development, support student-led green campus initiatives, and foster cooperation between universities and local communities. Through these efforts, we have contributed to the sustainable development of higher education in Korea.

In recent years, university sustainability and ESG have emerged as increasingly important issues, as reflected in the QS Sustainability Rankings published by the global higher education analytics organization QS. In this context, KAGCI’s activities are helping member universities strengthen their sustainability performance and enhance their standing in relevant assessments. KAGCI will continue to foster green leaders who can drive sustainable change in universities and society, and will actively support universities in establishing and implementing carbon-neutrality plans. We will also promote the development of sustainability assessment indicators and related research to support universities in advancing strategic ESG practices and creating an environment in which they can contribute to solving global challenges.

I sincerely thank all of our member universities and partners who have contributed to the growth and development of KAGCI. I also look forward to the active participation of our new member universities in KAGCI’s ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable future.

Thank you.