The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE, Minister Kim Sungwhan) announced that First Vice Minister Kum Hanseung will attend the high-level segment of the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly*, to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from December 11 to 12, as the head of the Korean delegation, where he will discuss “sustainable solutions for a resilient planet” with the international community.

* The Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly will be held from December 8 to 12 (with the Committee of Whole taking place from December 8 to 10).

The United Nations Environment Assembly is held every two years in Nairobi, Kenya, and is the highest-level environmental meeting at which ministers and vice ministers from UN member states convene to discuss the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s programme of work and budget and to adopt resolutions and declarations.

The Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, themed “sustainable solutions for a resilient planet,” will bring together approximately 3,500 participants from around 160 countries, including ministers and vice ministers from each country, as well as representatives from international organizations, businesses, civil society, and non-governmental organizations.

Vice Minister Kum is expected to emphasize the significance of the establishment of the MCEE in his national statement at the high-level segment, underscoring Korea’s commitment to respond more proactively to the climate crisis and to emerge as a global leader in the transition toward a decarbonized green civilization. 

In particular, he will introduce the “2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)” announced at the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change last November, and express Korea’s firm commitment to steadily advancing decarbonization and green transition policies to achieve its climate goals.

* A reduction of 53%-61% compared to net greenhouse gas emissions in 2018

He will also outline key directions for addressing the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation, and pollution. The plan is to leverage climate action as a new driver of economic growth by linking it with advanced industries such as artificial intelligence, while emphasizing the importance of expanding private-sector participation and diverse economic innovation instruments to conserve nature and enhance biodiversity. In addition, Korea will share its domestic circular economy strategies, such as Korean-style (K-) eco-design and the circular use of end-of-life electric vehicle batteries, to address plastic pollution, and will continue to expand related international cooperation.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister Kum will attend a side event hosted by Oman on the theme of “Sustainable Action” later that afternoon, where he will deliver a congratulatory address. In his remarks, he is expected to emphasize “green cooperation” that goes beyond carbon-centered cooperation such as natural gas and toward jointly building a global decarbonized green civilization.

First Vice Minister Kum Hanseung stated, “In an era of uncertainty, a decarbonized green civilization is a shared direction that humanity must pursue together.” He added, “The MCEE will work closely with the international community to ensure that the Republic of Korea establishes itself as a global leader in the decarbonized green civilization.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com