Dobong-gu to host international ESD forum on circular cities Nov. 20

Seoul's Dobong-gu will hold the "2026 Dobong Education for Sustainable Development International Forum" (DEIF 2026) at 2 p.m. Nov. 20 at Jawunbong Hall on the 16th floor of Dobong-gu Office.

Dobong-gu was certified in 2020 as a Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE on ESD), designated by the United Nations University — the only autonomous district in Seoul to hold that status.

Since receiving the certification, the district has promoted education on the necessity and value of sustainable development by linking elementary and middle schools, universities and local communities, while also pursuing international exchange and cooperation projects including annual international forums.

Now in its third year, this year's forum carries the theme "The Traces We Leave, the Future We Will Leave — Citizens' ESD Practice and Solidarity for a Circular City."

The program is divided into two parts: the first features presentations on circular economy cases from home and abroad, and the second shares Dobong-gu's achievements in education for sustainable development.

Part One opens with a keynote address by Dr. Anupam Khajuria, an international organization expert, titled "The Future We Will Leave: Urban Transformation Through Education for Sustainable Development and the Circular Economy."

Dong Shu, secretary-general of Green Zhejiang, a non-governmental organization based in Hangzhou, China, will then present on "Sustainable Transition Starting Locally: ESD Practices in Hangzhou." Jang Han-woori, chairperson of the social cooperative Sosohan Haengdong for the Earth, will follow with a presentation titled "A Circular City Starting from Everyday Life: Citizens Building Resource Circulation Practices."

Im Mi-kyung, a director of the Korea ESG Education Association, will then moderate a discussion on the role of education for sustainable development in realizing a circular economy and the direction of community-level practice.

Part Two centers on three themes — starting in schools, the next generation taking action, and universities and cities experimenting together — through which elementary and middle schools, universities and local communities in Dobong-gu share the outcomes of their collaborative sustainable development education initiatives.

Case studies from home and abroad will be introduced, including "Neuru," a global youth ESD project, and the "Dobong Green Cafe Index," a joint initiative by university students and district residents that assessed local cafes' readiness and conditions for reducing single-use plastic cups.

Through these presentations, the forum will explore the potential for youth, university students and residents to grow into active agents in building a sustainable city.

The forum is open to anyone interested in sustainable development and the circular economy. About 100 participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees will receive an official program booklet, and simultaneous Korean-English interpretation will be provided throughout the event.

Registration is available online through the Dobong-gu Office website (under Announcements/Budget → Event Registration) or the Dobong Sustainable Development website (under Notice Board → Events/Registration).

Dobong-gu District Mayor Kim Dong-wook said the forum is expected to strengthen domestic and international ESD cooperation networks and serve as an opportunity for community members — including citizens and youth — to work together toward a sustainable urban future. "We will continue to expand resource circulation practices through community-based education for sustainable development and press ahead with efforts to realize a circular economy and achieve a sustainable urban transition," Kim said.