#Seoul: DMZ Korea (Yeoncheon)–Sweden International Seminar
APAC Focus Programme Director Bryan Luk was invited to chair a session at the 2026 DMZ Korea (Yeoncheon)–Sweden International Academic Seminar, held under the theme “Peace, Green Transition, and Spatial Sustainability in the DMZ Borderscape.”
Bringing together scholars from Sweden, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan, the seminar explored how ecological conservation, sustainable finance and international research cooperation could contribute to a more resilient and peaceful future on the Korean Peninsula.
The session focused on sustainable finance and green taxonomies, examining how these frameworks could move beyond declarations to mobilise investment and strengthen resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty. The discussions connected financial and environmental policy with a wider question: how can practical cooperation advance when the prospects for a political breakthrough remain uncertain?
Alongside the academic programme, an exchange tour offered participants an opportunity to see the DMZ up close. For Bryan, coming from a relatively peaceful region, the visit brought the reality of division—and the fragility of peace—into sharper focus. It also gave added significance to discussions about what researchers, policymakers and local communities can do today to prepare the ground for future cooperation.
One theme to emerge was the potential to see border regions not only as buffer zones of conflict, but also as spaces for shared ecological protection, scientific exchange and trust-building. Without overlooking the security challenges, this perspective invites consideration of the practical foundations that can be laid even under difficult conditions.
For APAC Focus, participation in the seminar extended our engagement with scholars across Asia and Europe and provided an opportunity to contribute to discussions linking sustainability, regional resilience and peace. The exchange also brought a valuable on-the-ground perspective to the policy questions shaping the region’s future.
We thank Soo-hyun Lee for helping make the seminar and exchange tour possible, and the participating scholars for their insights and thoughtful discussions.
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