Pohang Green City Built Together by Citizens... 30th Environment Day Ceremony Held

'Designing a Sustainable Green City' Theme... 30th Environment Day Ceremony
Mayor Lee Kangdeok: "We Will Expand Green City and Carbon Neutrality Policies, Promote Greater Citizen Participation"

On June 5, Pohang City held the 30th Environment Day ceremony at Hanteo Madang in Pohang Cheolgil Forest under the theme "Designing a Sustainable Green City!"

Pohang City held the 30th Environment Day ceremony on the 5th at Hanteo Madang in Pohang Cheolgil Forest under the theme "Designing a Sustainable Green City!" Photo by Pohang City

This event was co-hosted by Pohang City and the Pohang Sustainable Development Council, with more than 300 participants including citizens, environmental organizations, businesses, and public officials. It served as a meaningful occasion to reflect on the importance of responding to the climate crisis and preserving the environment.

Environment Day is a global environmental anniversary established by the United Nations in 1972. In South Korea, it has been designated as a legal anniversary since 1996, with commemorative ceremonies held nationwide every year. For the 30th anniversary this year, Pohang City planned the event as a hands-on environmental festival involving citizens.

The ceremony opened with a fashion show featuring eco-friendly upcycled clothing, followed by the opening ceremony, commendations for contributors to environmental conservation, presentation of plaques of appreciation, reading of the environmental declaration, a commemorative performance, and a group photo session.

In particular, the reading of the environmental declaration emphasized the need for action based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the importance of citizen participation.

The experience booths set up as side events further enriched the atmosphere of the venue. With participation from over 10 organizations and institutions, including Pohang Environmental School, Pohang Carbon Neutrality Support Center, and Pohang Forestry Cooperative, the event featured practical programs such as a climate change photo exhibition, climate disaster survival bag experience, plastic recycling keyring making, and carbon neutrality metaverse experience, which were well received by all age groups.

In particular, exhibitions of hydrogen and electric vehicles, resource circulation education, and hands-on experiences with household waste recycling provided citizens with opportunities to directly experience eco-friendly technologies and sustainable lifestyles.

Kwon Kyungok, head of the Pohang Sustainable Development Council, stated, "Sustainable development is only possible through cooperation between the administration and citizens. We will continue to actively promote education and campaigns so that environmental values can be put into practice in daily life."

Mayor Lee Kangdeok said, "This ceremony marks a starting point for citizens to recognize the climate crisis and commit to environmental action. We will further expand carbon neutrality policies, strengthen environmental education, and encourage greater citizen participation to create a green city in Pohang."

Going forward, Pohang City plans to take the lead in realizing a sustainable local environment by strengthening the foundation for environmental education, including relocating the Pohang Environmental School, establishing an early childhood climate environment education center, hosting the Gyeongbuk Environmental Education Festival, and applying for designation as an environmental education city.