Zim, Korea deepen cooperation

Obey Musiwa

Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE and South Korea have pledged to increase collaboration on school‑based climate mitigation, renewable energy investment, and carbon trading frameworks.

The pledge was made after South Korean envoy to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Jae Kyung Park, paid a courtesy call on Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu

The two agreed that there was need to continue scaling up efforts to tackle climate change, with both nations committing to 40 percent emission reduction targets under the United Nations framework.

Minister Ndlovu said South Korea’s support is not just financial but transformative, enabling Zimbabwean schools and communities to adapt to climate realities while aligning with President Mnangagwa’s vision of village business units.

She also emphasised the importance of private sector participation in renewable energy and the shared responsibility of both nations in meeting global climate targets.

“The Korean Embassy has provided
US$5 million for climate mitigation within schools in dry, prone regions, with UNICEF implementing in about four districts.

“They are assisting us to implement His Excellency the President’s project of coming up with a village business unit within the schools and also to make sure that we address the sanitary issues,” she said.

Minister Ndlovu said the partnership is about more than numbers, it is about dignity and opportunity for children in vulnerable areas.

She explained that climate‑resilient schools are a foundation for future generations to thrive despite environmental challenges.“We are also looking at bilateral agreements in areas of carbon trading, since both Zimbabwe and South Korea have pegged their reduction targets at 40 percent,” she said.

“Our private sector must come and play a part in investing in climate change issues, including solar power generation, which is a good thing.”

Korean Ambassador Jae Kyung Park highlighted that the partnership is not only government‑to‑government but also a catalyst for private sector involvement.

He said it ensures sustainable investment in climate adaptation and emission reduction.

“We had a deep‑dive discussion with the minister and her team today, including how we collaboratively mitigate carbon emissions and adapt to climate change impact.”