[Full Text] Yoon: "Korea Will Play the Role of a 'Green Ladder' Supporting Climate Response"

Yoon's Speech at G20 Session 1 on 'One Earth'

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 Session 1 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 led the way in overcoming the global financial crisis, can also play an important role in responding to the climate crisis."

As specific support measures for the green ladder role, President Yoon proposed three initiatives: 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.

Full text of President Yoon’s remarks at G20 Summit Session 1 'One Earth'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Distinguished heads of state and representatives of international organizations, it is a pleasure to meet you.

First, I welcome the African Union (AU) joining the G20 and participating in discussions for One Earth.

Natural disasters caused by climate change threaten the safety and freedom of citizens worldwide.

Such crises require strong solidarity and cooperation from the entire international community.

The G20, which led the way in overcoming the global financial crisis, can also play an important role in responding to the climate crisis.

The Republic of Korea will serve as a ‘green ladder’ to support countries vulnerable to climate change.

To this end, we plan to contribute an additional $300 million to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to assist developing countries in adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

We expect active contributions to the GCF at the G20 level.

Furthermore, the Republic of Korea will play a leading role in spreading green technology and experience.

In particular, the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) office, which opened in Korea last year, will contribute to the dissemination of green technology together with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Along with this, the Republic of Korea will lead the transition to clean energy centered on nuclear power and hydrogen energy.

Possessing world-class nuclear power technology, Korea is accelerating the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), the next generation of nuclear power plants.

We hope for active nuclear cooperation with countries aiming to strengthen energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, Korea, which operates the largest number of hydrogen vehicles worldwide, will take the lead in global collaboration for technology cooperation and the establishment of international standards across the entire production and utilization cycle to pioneer the hydrogen economy.

Mr. Chairperson, and fellow leaders,

Efforts to decarbonize international shipping are crucial to achieving the 2050 carbon neutrality goal.

The key to carbon neutrality at sea, that is, the decarbonization of international shipping, lies in the establishment of green shipping routes.

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.

The eco-friendly shipping solutions led by Korea will contribute to connecting ports around the world through green routes.

To protect our one and only Earth, solidarity and cooperation among countries are essential.

Through the three commitments I mentioned earlier, the Republic of Korea will actively participate in global efforts for One Earth.

Thank you.