The Ministry of Environment (Minister Kim Wansup) announced that the Asia Water Council (AWC), the largest water cooperation organization in Asia, has acquired the status of an accredited organization in the ‘water sector’ from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as of May 14, 2025.

The AWC focuses on promoting investments and projects for sustainable water security, including establishing water management systems to respond to floods and droughts and building safe water supply and sewage infrastructure in Asian countries with low climate resilience.

The AWC, established in 2016 under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment and the Korea Water Resources Corporation (a non-profit corporation approved by the Ministry of Environment), is the largest water cooperation organization in Asia. Currently, 176 member institutions from 26 countries, including governments of China, the Philippines, Vietnam, as well as international organizations and multilateral development banks, participate as members.

The recent accreditation by the UNEP is seen as recognition of the AWC’s efforts to enhance water security by analyzing climate risk vulnerabilities in developing countries and assisting in the construction of disaster risk management infrastructure.

With this accreditation, the AWC can officially participate in UN meetings related to environmental agendas, such as the UN Environment Assembly, where it can provide input on setting environmental agendas and approving strategies and budgets. It is also expected to expand its cooperation base for joint projects with the UNEP.

Jung Eun-hae, Director General of International Cooperation Bureau, stated, “The AWC is a member of the Green Transition Initiative led by the Ministry and actively supports the international community’s green transition and sustainable development.” She added, “This achievement is expected to serve as an opportunity for the AWC to strengthen its capacity and influence as a water cooperation organization, and we hope it will establish itself as a leader in solving Asia’s water issues.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

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