Sino-South Korean youth environmental program opens in Hainan

A weeklong Sino–South Korean youth environmental program was launched on Monday in Haikou, Hainan province, bringing together 50 students from 26 universities in both countries.

The 2025 "SUNNY" Youth Development Action Hainan Group, co-organized by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and South Korea's SK Group, features coral-reef and mangrove restoration, field visits, and seminars on green innovation. It is supported by the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan province and Hainan Tropical Ocean University.

Wu Dianwu, deputy secretary-general of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, said the foundation promotes global youth exchanges based on the principle of "Peace, Unity, and Future". He described youth as key drivers of the green transition and expressed hopes for stronger China-South Korea ties through the event.

Wang Yunfei, deputy director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan province, highlighted Hainan Free Trade Port's development with a focus on the marine economy. Noting the 30-year sister province relationship with South Korea's Jeju Island, he pointed to expanded youth exchange opportunities and urged participants to become ecological guardians, sustainable development practitioners, and ambassadors for China-South Korea friendship.

Tian Fuxi, vice-president of SK China, said that since its launch in 2010, the "SUNNY" project has engaged more than 30,000 young people in social innovation practices. Following a desertification control-themed event in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region in May, the Hainan group has focused on marine protection, including coral reef restoration and mangrove planting.

"This event has established a global exchange platform for Chinese and South Korean youth, especially through discussions on sustainable development, which will help broaden our global perspective," said Li Ziyang, an English education major from Hainan Normal University.

He expressed particular interest in the coral planting and mangrove conservation activities, hoping to contribute to marine ecological restoration through hands-on practice.

Lee Goeun, a senior from Korea University, said: "In-person exchanges allow young people from both countries to study, share ideas, and take action together in addressing climate change and protecting marine ecosystems. This kind of practice is truly meaningful." She added that she has always been fond of island landscapes and is eager to explore Hainan's rich marine biodiversity and mangrove ecosystems.