Nordic-Korea Cooperation in the Arctic – A Necessity to Continue the Green Energy Transition
In recent years, governments around the world have recognized the potential of the Arctic region’s tremendous natural resources, the possibility for new vital trade routes, and its role as a hub for climate and space research. This also applies to the Republic of Korea (ROK), which was an active partner with the Arctic nation Russia prior to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It took part in the academic and economic ecosystems in the region and is currently looking for new ways to continue its efforts in the Arctic.
In this scenario, collaboration between the Nordic countries consisting of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland with the ROK in the Arctic appears as a strategic opportunity and even a potential requirement for Seoul to continue its efforts in the region. Their shared goals of reducing carbon emissions and green transition may serve as a solid foundation for collaboration in the Arctic and is arguably a low-hanging fruit for engagement. Potential joint areas of action could be pursued in the field of sustainable mining, as the Arctic holds critical minerals for the development and production of green technologies, and in the creation of green shipping corridors, a necessity for decreasing carbon emissions from maritime trade and economic gains. The Nordic experience with sustainable energy systems, Arctic governance and environmental technologies aligns closely with the ROK strengths in advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding and technological innovation efforts, making collaboration effortless and feasible to enact.
This webinar will explore these synergies of cooperation in Arctic, identify policy pathways, and outline practical steps for future cooperation between the ROK and the Nordic nations.
Speakers:
Nima Khorrami is a Research Associate at The Arctic Institute. His areas of interest and expertise lie at the intersection of geopolitics, infrastructure and technology. At The Arctic Institute, his research is mainly focused on Sweden’s Arctic policy, (digital) connectivity, Arctic shipping and the future of Arctic Council. Nima also regularly contributes to various news and analytical outlets on both Arctic and non-Arctic related issues. He has written for the EU Observer, High North News, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Eurasia Net amongst others.
Nima is a proud alumni of Nottingham University, London School of Economics and Political Science, and Försvarshögskolan.
Director Umji Kim leads research on Arctic policy implementation, international cooperation, and maritime logistics development at the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI).
Her research focuses on marine and fisheries cooperation between Korea and Arctic nations, Northeast Asian logistics networks, Blue Economy development in the Arctic region, and Arctic shipping routes.
She has authored several reports, including “Study on Prospects for Black Carbon Regulations in the Arctic Ocean and Korea’s Response Strategies” and “Project to Build a Blue Economy Base on the Korean Peninsula – Operation of the Arctic Route,” as well as publications such as Logistics Trends.
She previously worked at KT and the Korea Gas Corporation, and majored in International Relations at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and in International Area Studies and International Business at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.