Presenting a Vision for the Future with Carbon Neutrality, International Events, and Industrial Transformation
Focusing on Hosting the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP33)
Pohang, a city that has grown as an industrial hub, is now preparing for a major transformation into a 'carbon-neutral leading city,' embarking in earnest on a journey toward a sustainable future.
With the goal of hosting the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP33) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Pohang is seeking to become a central city in global climate governance.
The World Green Growth Forum (WGGF) held last May served as a significant signal marking the beginning of this transformation.
Mayor Kangdeok Lee of Pohang is participating in the carbon-neutral leading city session at the 2025 World Green Growth Forum (WGGF) held last May. Photo by Pohang City
At this international forum, which brought together government officials, businesses, and experts in the fields of energy, environment, and green industry, Pohang officially established its identity as a 'climate industry city' and laid the groundwork for transitioning from an industry-centered city to one focused on sustainable growth.
Pohang's unique climate industry model, which integrates decarbonization technologies into its existing industrial base of steel, hydrogen, and marine energy, also drew attention. This industrial transition is seen as both a foundation for expanding international cooperation and creating green jobs, and as a new city model where industry, environment, and economy are in harmony.
The UN Global Innovation Hub Systemic Innovation Workshop (UN GIH S.I.W), held from July 3 to 4, demonstrated that Pohang has established itself as a practical hub city for climate cooperation.
This event was the first official workshop under the UNFCCC to be held in Korea, with participation from international organizations, domestic and international research institutions, and industry experts, who discussed carbon-neutral technologies and policy strategies.
In particular, world-renowned climate scientist Mark Maslin, professor at University College London, attended in person, drawing attention by presenting the scientific basis of the climate crisis and global response strategies.
Professor Maslin is a globally recognized climate scientist and author who has contributed to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. His participation is regarded as a decisive example of the workshop's expertise and international credibility, and symbolically demonstrates Pohang's emergence as a city leading the discourse on climate innovation.
In August, Pohang will co-host the 'International Workshop on Low-Carbon Steel' with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The workshop will bring together key figures from government and business circles of more than 60 countries in Pohang to seek solutions to the global challenge of reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry.
Pohang plans to use this opportunity to further accelerate its structural transformation 'from steel to green industry.'
Pohang is currently moving forward in earnest with its bid to host COP33, which is scheduled for 2028. COP is the world's largest climate summit, with representatives from more than 190 countries. Hosting the event is expected to serve as a major turning point for enhancing Pohang's international status and advancing its transition into a climate industry city.
In particular, with President Lee Jaemyung recently declaring the bid for COP33 as a national commitment, Pohang is making comprehensive preparations to build the necessary conference infrastructure, industrial base, and sustainability strategies.
Amid these developments, Pohang is strengthening its competitiveness as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) city by continuously attracting international conferences and global forums. The city is solidifying its international presence by regularly hosting technology forums and seminars focused on its regional specialized industries such as secondary batteries, hydrogen, and steel.
Mayor Kangdeok Lee stated, "Responding to the climate crisis is no longer a matter of choice but of survival, and it is a key factor in determining a city's future competitiveness. Pohang will leap forward as a carbon-neutral leading city based on its industrial foundation and climate strategies, and we will continue to accelerate the sustainable transformation of the city through cooperation with the international community."
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