Jang Seokhwan, President of Daejin University, Receives Government Award for '2025 World Water Day'

Daejin University announced that President Jang Seok-hwan received the government award of 'Order of Service Merit (Geunjeong)' as a distinguished contributor in the field of water management at the 2025 World Water Day ceremony held on the 21st at KINTEX Exhibition Hall 2 in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province.

Daejin University President Jang Seok-hwan is receiving a government award of 'Order of Service Merit (Geunjeong)' as a distinguished contributor in the field of water management at the 2025 World Water Day ceremony held on the 21st at KINTEX Exhibition Hall 2 in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Daejin University

'World Water Day' was designated by the United Nations in December 1992 to raise awareness of the importance of water and to urge international cooperation and attention to solving water-related issues. South Korea has also held a government-level commemorative ceremony annually since 1995 to reflect on the various values water provides and to participate in international efforts.

At this ceremony, the government award recognizes local governments, public institutions, companies, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of water management, honoring their efforts, raising awareness of the value of water, and promoting the development of a sustainable environmental society.

President Jang Seok-hwan of Daejin University has engaged in various activities for about 39 years in the fields of water environment and water resources, including academic research, policy research, advisory roles, patents, and authoring books. He has served as the vice president of the Water Resources Association, a member of the National Water Resources Management Committee, chairman of the Asia River Restoration Network, KBS news commentator, KBS disaster expert, and a member of the Gyeonggi Province Water Management Committee.

Furthermore, he has made significant policy and academic contributions to the unification of previously diversified water management institutions to establish an integrated water management system for efficient water management.

President Jang said, “I will strive to create an efficient and safe water management system along with a pleasant and clean urban environment,” adding, “I will do my best to build a better ecological environment, improve water quality, and establish a sustainable water management system from an environmental perspective in Korea’s water management.”

Meanwhile, President Jang Seok-hwan assumed office as president of Daejin University on January 1, 2025, and is accelerating innovation at Daejin University by strengthening its foundation and promoting coexistence with the local community. He is leading efforts to attract the Regional Innovation-Centered University Support Project (RISE) to nurture future talents for the Fourth Industrial Revolution era and to transform Daejin University into a carbon-neutral campus, drawing attention to his future endeavors.