Global Attention on Climate Solutions... Pohang Hosts Korea's First UN GIH S.I.W.

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Pohang City, in collaboration with the UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub, opened the nation's first 'Systemic Innovation Workshop' at Lahan Hotel Pohang on July 3.

Pohang City, the first in the nation to host the UN GIH S.I.W. Photo by Pohang City

The 14th UN Global Innovation Hub Pohang Systemic Innovation Workshop (UN GIH S.I.W) will be held over two days until July 4. More than 100 experts in climate, industry, and energy from both Korea and abroad, including UN officials, are attending to discuss practical strategies for transforming industrial cities and responding to the climate crisis.

Under the theme "Pohang: A Green Industry Economic City Together," this workshop serves as a platform for international cooperation, diagnosing the industrial and urban challenges facing Pohang and seeking sustainable solutions in partnership with the UN.

Notably, this workshop is an official program of the UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and it is drawing attention as the first such event hosted by a local government in Korea.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "Pohang is working to transform itself from a steel-centered industrial city into an innovative city leading carbon neutrality and green industries. This discussion can expand beyond regional industrial innovation to become an implementation strategy for responding to the climate crisis. Pohang will take a leap forward as a leading city in climate action through international solidarity and cooperation, including efforts to host the COP."

Discussion on Climate Solutions That Captured Global Attention. Provided by Pohang City

Massamba Thioye, Project Lead of the UN GIH and co-host of the event, said, "Pohang's ongoing green transition centered on secondary batteries, hydrogen, and energy can become a global example through cooperation with the UN," emphasizing that "local governments must be at the center of climate governance."

During the keynote speeches, renowned figures from Korea and abroad presented various perspectives on the direction of carbon-neutral cities, resonating with the audience.

Park Iljun, Chair of the 2050 Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Committee and Executive Vice Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, introduced the overall decarbonization trends and policy directions for industry. Mark Maslin, author of "How to Survive on Earth," stressed that "the sustainability of industrial cities depends on bold choices regarding the climate dilemma."

Phoebe Koundouri, Co-Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) Global Climate Hub Europe, suggested that "strategic investment and policy linkage are crucial for urban climate transition."

Shin Myunggyun, Head of the POSCO Low-Carbon Steel Research Institute, and Yeon Changgyo, Head of Environment at Ecopro, gave presentations on corporate sustainability management strategies, sharing practical approaches to green transition at industrial sites.

In the afternoon, under the leadership of Park Mijeong, Head of UGIH Asia, group discussions were held with experts in four fields: steel, secondary batteries, transportation, and energy.

Participants shared key issues in each sector and identified tasks for practical solutions. These were summarized in a plenary session, laying the groundwork for solution proposals and the development of implementation projects to be continued the following day.

Based on the strategies and recommendations derived from this workshop, the city plans to co-host a workshop with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in August and to continue realizing its vision as an international climate city, including a bid to host the 2027 ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) World Congress.

Pohang City has been accelerating its transformation into a green industry-centered city through initiatives such as the Greenway Project and the successful hosting of the World Green Growth Forum (WGGF). The city will continue its proactive efforts to globalize Pohang's unique brand as a leading city in climate action.