Jeonnam Office of Education Wins 'ESG Economy Award' for Second Consecutive Year

Honored with the 'ESG Innovation Award' in the Public Institution Category

The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education announced on April 22 that it received the 'ESG Innovation Award' in the public institution category at the '2025 Korea ESG Economy Awards' ceremony recently held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul.

The 'Korea ESG Economy Awards' is an event that comprehensively evaluates the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance of companies, local governments, and public institutions, and selects outstanding organizations. The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education was honored to receive the award for the second consecutive year, following last year's win at the '3rd Korea ESG Awards.' This achievement is especially meaningful as it is the only provincial or metropolitan office of education nationwide to win the award.

Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education won the 'ESG Innovation Award' for the second consecutive year at the '2025 Korea ESG Economy Awards.' Photo by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

In particular, the office was highly praised for its systematic efforts to integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values throughout educational administration and school curricula. The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education established the 'ESG Education Support Center,' enacted the nation's first ESG education and practice ordinance in 2023, and laid the policy foundation by operating the ESG Education Development Committee, providing on-site ESG awareness education, and building collaborative networks with related organizations.

The 'Jeonnam-Style Ecological Transition Education' was also recognized as a notable achievement. This year, 50 schools in the province are being operated as carbon-neutral model schools, and the mandatory 'Ji9haneun School' campaign at all schools is promoting everyday carbon-neutral practices. In addition, other initiatives such as the 'Path of Coexistence (Waterway, Forest Path)' ecological club activities involving 4,376 students, the creation of school forests and ecological playgrounds, and local community-linked ecological exploration projects also received positive evaluations.

Shim Chisuk, Director of the Educational Autonomy Division, stated, "Winning the award for two consecutive years is the result of Jeonnam education's consistent efforts in 'action-oriented ESG education.' We will continue to expand carbon-neutral model schools and ecological projects to create a Jeonnam-style ESG education that enables students to learn and practice sustainable living."