TCS

On 4-7 August, 2025, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) hosted the 4th Trilateral Environmental Teachers’ Exchange Program (TTEP) in Incheon, ROK, bringing together educators from Korea, Japan, and China under the theme “Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility, Shared Future.” The program aimed to strengthen regional cooperation on sustainability education through the lens of the circular economy.Building on the commitments made at the 25th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting (TEMM) under the Tripartite Joint Action Plan 2021–2025, the TTEP marks a milestone in turning regional circular economy goals into classroom practice. This year’s program, aligned with TJAP’s focus on 3R policies and zero-waste cities, also welcomed teachers from diverse disciplines beyond environmental education.At the opening ceremony, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup welcomed the participants and highlighted the program’s role in deepening understanding of circular economy concepts, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and promoting cross-border cooperation among teachers from the three countries. He underscored the value of combining lectures, policy discussions, case studies, and field visits to equip educators with practical tools for fostering environmental awareness and resource efficiency in schools.Following his remarks, representatives from the environment ministries of Korea, Japan, and China delivered congratulatory messages, reiterating the importance of trilateral environmental cooperation and extending best wishes for the program’s success.On the second day, expert lectures featured speakers from academia, business, and international organizations, addressing the topics:1) Korea’s Circular Economy Policy and School Engagement; 2) Case Study: Community and School-Based Resource Recycling in Korea; 3) How to Integrate Circular Economy into Cross-Disciplinary School Subjects.These sessions broadened participants’ perspectives on policy application, community engagement, and cross-disciplinary teaching. In the afternoon, participants were divided into two groups to design lesson plans for delivery to Korean elementary and high school students.On the third day, teachers visited Deokshin High School and Incheon Seo-gu Youth Center to deliver lessons on the themes of Marine Litter and the 3Rs, which received strong positive feedback from students. This marked the first time in TTEP history that participating teachers conducted classes directly for local students. The professionalism, dedication, and care demonstrated by educators from all three countries transcended nationality, leaving a lasting impression on both students and observers.In the afternoon, the group visited the Green Climate Fund headquarters, engaging in exchanges with experts on climate and environmental education practices. The teachers also paid a visit to the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), where they learned about innovative sustainability measures implemented at the municipal level.The program concluded on the fourth day with a closing ceremony, during which participants reflected on their experiences and shared takeaways from the exchange.By fostering collaboration among policymakers, educators, and practitioners, TTEP strengthens the human and institutional foundations of the regional green economy. It equips teachers with knowledge, tools, and networks to inspire future generations toward building sustainable, zero-waste societies in the region. The outcomes of this year’s program will be reported to the 26th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting.▲(DAY1) SG LEE delivering opening remarks▲(DAY1) Speech by representatives of Environment ministries▲(DAY1) Group photo▲(DAY2) Lecture session▲(DAY2) Workshop session▲(DAY3) Teaching Sessions with Elementary School Students▲(DAY3) Teaching Sessions with High School Students▲(DAY3) Onsite Exchange at the Green Climate Fund (GCF)▲(DAY3) Visit to the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ)▲(DAY4) Closing ceremony

On 5 August 2025, Mr. Nazarudin JAAFAR, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Malaysia, visited the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) and was received by TCS Deputy Secretary-General ZUSHI Zhuji. Both sides exchanged views on the progress of trilateral cooperation and future cooperation.TCS DSG ZUSHI welcomed the guest and briefly introduced the outcomes of the 9th Trilateral Summit, the current progress of trilateral cooperation, as well as the function and main projects of TCS. He looks forward to the support from Malaysia, the 2025 ASEAN Chair, for TCS’ role in supporting and promoting ASEAN+3 cooperation.Mr. JAAFAR introduced his experiences of attending events organized by TCS as well as his observations of the development and challenges of trilateral cooperation. He suggested that the two sides could explore more opportunities for future cooperation, especially in the areas of think-tanks and youth exchanges.▲TCS DSG ZUSHI Shuji met with Mr. Nazarudin JAAFAR, the DCM of the Embassy of Malaysia▲Group photo

The Opening Ceremony of the Trilateral Youth Summit (TYS) 2025 was officially held today in Himeji, marking the start of a week-long program that brings together 48 university and graduate students from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The program is co-hosted by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, with support from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of China and the ROK.This year’s theme, “Designing a Future for All Generations: Solving Common Challenges for a Better Tomorrow,” underscores the growing importance of youth engagement in tackling shared challenges. TYS2025 builds on the momentum of the 2024 Trilateral Summit held in Seoul, and aligns with preparations for the upcoming summit to be hosted in Japan.The Opening Ceremony was attended by Mr. LEE Heesup, Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS); Mr. KIYOMOTO Hideyasu, Mayor of Himeji City; H.E. Mr. MISAWA Yasushi, Representative of the Government of Japan and Ambassador in charge of Kansai, who also serves as Vice Commissioner General of the 2025 World Exposition in Japan; Mr. LEE Sangryol, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Kobe; and Ms. WEI Youmei, Deputy Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Osaka.Throughout the five-day program, participants will engage in intensive meeting sessions focused on four key policy areas: people-to-people exchange and youth education, sustainable development and disaster relief, economic cooperation, technology, and local revitalization, and health and ageing society. These sessions are designed to simulate real-world diplomatic discussions and allow participants to exchange ideas and propose solutions to pressing regional issues.In addition to the meetings, the program includes a Youth Talk & keynote lecture by WHO expert on aging, a Mayoral Dialogue with the Mayor of Himeji, a series of expert lectures by prominent regional scholars and practitioners, and cultural excursions to historically and culturally significant sites across the Kansai region. These activities aim to foster mutual understanding and cross-cultural learning among the future leaders of the three countries.The program will conclude on August 8, 2025, in Kobe, with the Trilateral Youth Summit and Closing Ceremony, during which participants will present their joint policy recommendations and adopt a Joint Statement articulating their shared vision for regional cooperation.Since its launch in 2014, the Trilateral Youth Summit has served as a flagship initiative for promoting friendship, mutual understanding, and dialogue among the youth of China, Japan, and the ROK.▲Group photo at EXPO 2025▲Remarks from VIP▲Group Photo at the Opening Ceremony

On July 25, 2025, the Working-Level Meeting for the 4th Trilateral Agricultural Ministers’ Meeting (TAMM) was held online. Delegations from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) participated in the meeting.Director XU Hongda from the Department of Economic Affairs delivered opening remarks. He noted that the TCS has consistently participated in the TAMM and promoted agricultural cooperation among China, Japan, and Korea since 2012. He also expressed his appreciation to the three ministries for their generous support of the Trilateral Young Rural Leaders’ Exchange Program (TREP).Meeting participants discussed the progress of preparations for the 4th TAMM.