Pohang's Transformation from an Industrial City to a Green City Recognized Domestically and Internationally
Developing Signature International Conferences Centered on the Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center, Set for Completion in 2027
Pohang City successfully hosted the "2025 Global Green Growth Forum (WGGF)" over two days starting on May 14, marking its first step as a city of international conferences.
Opening ceremony of the Global Green Growth Forum held at Lahan Hotel on the 14th. Photo by Pohang City
This forum served as an opportunity for the world's attention to focus on Pohang in search of solutions to the climate crisis, signaling Pohang's official move to become a hub for global green transition.
Held under the theme "Green Transition for the Future: Finding a Way Amid Challenges!", the forum brought together domestic and international climate policy experts, representatives of local governments, global corporations, youth, and citizens.
Participants from major cities such as Yokohama and Tianjin discussed intergovernmental cooperation systems for responding to the climate crisis. The citizen-led "Town Hall COP" and the Youth Climate Hackathon, which featured 76 teams from 13 countries, drew attention as new models of climate governance.
In particular, this forum was significant in that it highlighted Pohang's journey from an industrial city to a sustainable green city, both domestically and internationally, and laid a concrete policy foundation for realizing its vision as a climate city.
During the forum, Pohang City signed a tripartite agreement with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Pohang City Council. Based on this cooperation, the three organizations plan to join forces on international climate policies, including expanding carbon sinks and participating in the greenhouse gas emissions trading system.
Pohang is also pursuing membership in the "New Frontier Group," GGGI's strategic platform. Should Pohang become an official member, it would be the first city in Korea to do so.
The city plans to institutionalize the annual hosting of the WGGF, centering on the Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Pohang City aims to develop the "Global Green Growth Forum" into a leading international conference in the field of green growth, encompassing climate crisis and sustainable development, much like the "Davos Forum" does for the world economy. The city intends to establish itself as a leader in setting global agendas.
Through these efforts, Pohang plans to become a key hub for the climate-focused MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry and to create a new business ecosystem that combines green industry with the MICE sector.
The Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center, which will be at the heart of these plans, is expected to serve as a key infrastructure that promotes the city's industrial transformation and expansion of global networks as an international conference and business hub.
Additionally, Pohang City will continue to strengthen its position as a MICE city and will consistently discover and foster various international forums and business events linked to regional strategic industries.
Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "Pohang is transforming from an industrial city into a leader of a sustainable green future. Through the Global Green Growth Forum, we have created a platform for global solidarity and innovation in response to the climate crisis, and we will continue to generate new growth engines by integrating the MICE and green industries."
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