Prime Minister Kim: "Korea Will Actively Lead Carbon Neutrality Realization Through 'Inclusive Green Recovery'"

Keynote Speech at the 2021 United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Summit

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is delivering the keynote speech at the '2021 United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Leaders Summit' on the 15th. (Photo by Office for Government Policy Coordination)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated on the 15th, "From the June G7 Summit, the September European Union (EU) General Assembly, the October G20 Summit, to the 26th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties in November, the Republic of Korea will actively lead discussions to realize global-level carbon neutrality through inclusive green recovery."

At the '2021 United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Summit' held that day, Prime Minister Kim delivered a keynote speech, saying, "We will expand official development assistance for the green transition and faithfully serve as a bridge between developed and developing countries in responding to the global climate crisis."

Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "In the COVID-19 situation, the world is more than ever realizing the necessity of 'collective action' by the international community," adding, "This infectious disease crisis calls for a stronger fundamental reflection and practice by all humanity for the Earth's environment and the future of humankind."

He continued, "In this regard, the role of the 'United Nations Global Compact,' which aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the banners of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, is more important than ever before."

Prime Minister Kim stated, "The Republic of Korea has pledged to achieve zero marine plastic waste by 2050 and announced plans to raise the '2030 National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target' to exemplify the implementation of the Paris Agreement," adding, "Many Korean companies participating in the United Nations Global Compact are expected to actively join these government efforts."

He then said, "There is a Korean proverb that says, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,'" expressing confidence that "today's summit will be an important first step toward a sustainable future for the communities and the children who will live in it." He concluded his speech by expressing hope that "the United Nations Global Compact will continue to demonstrate excellent leadership in the international community."