Yoon Attends G20 Summit... "Korea to Play 'Green Ladder' Role in Climate Response Support"

Yoon's Speech at G20 Session 1 'One Earth'
Additional $300 Million Contribution to Green Climate Fund for Developing Countries
Leading Clean Energy Transition with Nuclear and Hydrogen Energy
Leading International Shipping Decarbonization Efforts with Eco-Friendly Solutions

President Yoon Suk-yeol declared on the 9th, "The Republic of Korea will serve as a green ladder to support countries vulnerable to climate change."

On the same day, at the G20 Summit held under the theme "One Earth" at the International Exhibition and Convention Centre (IECC) in New Delhi, India, President Yoon stated, "Natural disasters caused by climate change threaten the safety and freedom of citizens around the world." He added, "Such crises require strong solidarity and cooperation from the entire international community," and urged active participation by saying, "The G20, which took the lead in overcoming the global financial crisis, can also play an important role in responding to the climate crisis."

President Yoon presented three specific support measures for the green ladder role: an additional $300 million contribution to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), leading the transition to clean energy, and supporting the establishment of eco-friendly shipping solutions.

President Yoon explained, "We plan to contribute an additional $300 million to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to help developing countries adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," and added, "The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) office, which opened in Korea last year, will contribute to the spread of green technology together with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the GCF." This reflects Korea’s intention to take a leading role in financial and technological contributions to developing countries, as it possesses financial institutions, research institutes, and international cooperation in the global eco-friendly sector.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding leading the transition to clean energy, Korea plans to actively cooperate on nuclear power with countries aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening energy security, as a leading nation in nuclear and hydrogen energy development. President Yoon emphasized, "The Republic of Korea, which possesses world-class nuclear technology, is accelerating the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), the next generation of nuclear power plants," and added, "Korea, which operates the largest number of hydrogen vehicles worldwide, will take the lead in the hydrogen economy by promoting technological cooperation and global collaboration for establishing international standards throughout the entire production and utilization cycle."

President Yoon also introduced a policy to lead international shipping’s decarbonization efforts, as the role of carbon taxes becomes increasingly important in exports. He stated, "Carbon neutrality at sea, that is, the decarbonization of international shipping, hinges on the establishment of green shipping routes," and mentioned, "The Republic of Korea will pursue eco-friendly shipping solutions encompassing the development of low- and zero-carbon ships and the construction of green port infrastructure." He further stressed, "The eco-friendly shipping solutions led by Korea will contribute to connecting ports around the world through green routes."

Additionally, President Yoon appealed once again to the G20 countries and the global community, saying, "To protect our one and only Earth, solidarity and cooperation among countries are essential," and "Through the three promises I mentioned earlier, the Republic of Korea will actively participate in the worldwide efforts for One Earth."