Sejong, May 11 - Han Wha-jin, the newly appointed Minister of Environment, attended the inauguration ceremony for the 20th Minister of Environment on May 11.

Minister Han stated in her inaugural address that "this year marks a crucial turning point in environmental history, as it marks thirty years since the international community adopted the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development in 1992." The Minister outlined four key policy directions to successfully implement the national tasks of "achieving carbon neutrality and creating a sustainable future" while preemptively responding to worldwide shifts and adopting convergence and harmonious environmental policies with all sectors of society.

Firstly, Minister Han emphasized that the Ministry of Environment must establish policies based on science, technology, and innovation." To this end, the Minister showed her ambition to establish policies based on data and logic and derive optimal solutions supported by cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things. Secondly, Minister Han underlined that the Ministry should enhance the policies' applicability on the spot through better communication and cooperation. While developing and implementing environmental policies, the Ministry should regularly cooperate with the local government and gather the opinions of different stakeholders. Thirdly, the Minister stated the Ministry would actively respond to the international environmental order by proactively responding to international environmental norms, such as carbon barriers to trade, ending plastic pollution, and green finance. Fourthly, the Minister stated that the Ministry would enhance policies and administrative systems that match the advancement of science and technology and the needs of the times. Minister Han urged her staff to seek ways to achieve policy goals most effectively while keeping environmental values and maximizing the autonomy and creativity of the public. In addition, the Minister stressed resolving such problems flexibly. 

Minister Han concluded her inaugural address, "environmental policies can be filled their gaps by combining and integrating each other." The Minister urged her staff to have the ability and courage to cross boundaries in diverse disciplines.

After the inauguration ceremony, Minister Han visited Daejeon National Cemetery to pay tribute and pledged to take environmental policies for the people.

Contact: KIM Yang-dong, Senior Deputy Director

Planning and Budget Division / +82-(0)44-201-6331

Foreign Media Contact: CHUN Minjo

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr