From Climate Technology to Citizen Participation:
Active Discussions on City-Centered Green Transition
Green Growth Idea Hackathon with Participants from 13 Countries
Showcases Innovative Ideas
On May 15, the second day of the 2024 World Green Growth Forum (WGGF), concrete discussions on topics such as climate technology, citizen participation, and ecological restoration continued, outlining the direction of green growth.
On the 15th, at Lahan Hotel Pohang, a three-party MOU for promoting green growth cooperation was signed between Pohang City, GGGI, and the Pohang City Council during the Global Green Growth Forum. (From left: Kangdeok Lee, Mayor of Pohang; Sanghyeop Kim, Secretary-General of the Global Green Growth Institute; Ilman Kim, Chairman of the Pohang City Council) Provided by Pohang City
The forum, held at Lahan Hotel Pohang, featured a diverse program including session presentations, a town hall meeting, the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), and a hackathon awards ceremony, demonstrating the feasibility of city-centered green transition models.
During the morning "Climate Tech Unicorn" session, Yvonne Zhang, Director at Deloitte Singapore, introduced funding strategies for climate technology startups, while Woosung Hoon, CEO of Amogy, explained the potential of ammonia-based hydrogen economy technologies.
Following this, representatives from domestic startups drew attention by presenting various carbon reduction technologies, including used battery recycling, steel by-product circulation, and high-sensitivity hydrogen sensors.
In the "Green Growth Cooperation" session, officials from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and professors from Handong Global University participated, delivering in-depth presentations and discussions on cooperation for green transition in developing countries, carbon market strategies, and the role of global corporations.
In the afternoon, a session focused on marine ecological restoration and blue carbon was held. Cases of citizen-participatory ocean restoration and marine forest creation using steel by-products were shared, along with a presentation on an EBS environmental documentary case study.
During a session highlighting the importance of practicing carbon neutrality in daily life, actress Park Jinhee and broadcaster Daniel Lindemann took the stage to share with citizens the significance of small actions in addressing climate change.
The "Pohang Town Hall COP," held on the same day, also drew attention. Citizens, youth, and experts gathered to discuss practical measures for climate action at the local level, showcasing the potential for participatory climate governance.
Participants exchanged a variety of opinions on voluntary carbon neutrality practices and city-centered response models, seeking directions for community-based climate action.
The forum also garnered attention with the signing of a three-party MOU for promoting green growth cooperation between Pohang City, GGGI, and the Pohang City Council.
The agreement includes key provisions such as the development of green growth and climate resilience projects, the expansion of carbon sinks and promotion of greenhouse gas trading systems, and the strengthening of networking for sustainable urban development.
In particular, as Pohang City is pursuing membership in the GGGI city partnership strategy platform "New Frontier Group," this agreement is significant as it marks the beginning of full-scale cooperation with GGGI. If Pohang City officially joins the GGGI "New Frontier Group," it will become the first member city in Korea.
Mayor Kangdeok Lee stated, "In this era of climate crisis, cities must become the main agents of solutions," and added, "I hope this agreement will be a turning point for Pohang's green growth and the start of global solidarity."
The forum concluded its two-day journey with the "Green Growth Idea Hackathon" awards ceremony and the closing ceremony.
In this hackathon, which saw participation from 76 teams across 13 countries, numerous innovative carbon reduction ideas utilizing digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and gaming were presented.
Mayor Kangdeok Lee remarked, "This WGGF is like a sprout that has just begun to leaf out," and added, "Pohang will continue its journey toward becoming a sustainable city together with citizens, businesses, and the international community."
Pohang City plans to actively incorporate the improvements discussed at this forum and thoroughly prepare for the successful hosting of next year's WGGF.
Additionally, with the Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center scheduled for completion in 2027, the city plans to hold the WGGF on a regular basis, further advancing as a central city for global green transition.
From the left, Kangdeok Lee, Mayor of Pohang, Sanghyeop Kim, Secretary General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and Ilman Kim, Chairperson of the Pohang City Council. Provided by Pohang City
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