Global Delegates Gather in Pohang
to Discuss Decarbonization Strategies
A New Starting Point for International Cooperation on Green Transition
Pohang City successfully concluded the "Low-Carbon Steel Global Workshop" held at the POSCO International Hall from August 27 to 29.
Pohang City successfully concluded the "Low-Carbon Steel Global Workshop" held at the POSCO International Hall from the 27th to the 29th. Photo by Pohang City
The event was attended by over 100 delegates representing the steel industry and policy sectors from 35 countries around the world, including international organizations.
Jointly hosted by Pohang City, Pohang International Exhibition Convention Center (POEX), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the workshop drew international attention as it was held in connection with the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM16) and Mission Innovation (MI-10) at BEXCO in Busan.
During the event, delegates engaged in in-depth discussions on reducing carbon emissions in the steel sector and strategies for a sustainable industrial future.
The steel industry is a major source of emissions, accounting for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, the urgency of decarbonization has increased as demand surges in emerging and developing countries.
The workshop focused on the latest low-carbon technologies and financial support measures, including hydrogen-based steelmaking, the circular economy, and green bonds. Key domestic and international companies and government officials explored actionable strategies for transitioning to eco-friendly steel and strengthening economic resilience.
Various policy tools were discussed, such as carbon emission regulations and fostering the eco-friendly steel market. Global companies such as POSCO, Vale, and Meranti shared their net-zero roadmaps and success stories. In the financial sector, the importance of climate finance innovation was highlighted, including green bonds, tax credits, and public-private risk-sharing mechanisms.
An official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated, "This workshop has laid a joint foundation encompassing technology, policy, and finance, and marks a new starting point for global cooperation." Rana Ghoneim, Director of Energy and Climate Action at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), emphasized, "The net-zero transition of the steel industry is a shared challenge that the world must address together. No one should be left behind in this transition, and industrial decarbonization is not only about emission reductions but also about people, jobs, and economic resilience."
To support this transition, UNIDO operates initiatives such as the "Global Matchmaking Platform of the Climate Club," the "Net Zero Partnership for Industrial Decarbonization (NZP-ID)," and the "Industrial Deep Decarbonisation Initiative (IDDI)," facilitating international cooperation by connecting policies, technologies, and finance across countries.
Director Ghoneim added, "Events like this are essential in equipping countries with the tools and networks needed to take decisive action."
The delegates assessed that the discussions toward the 2050 net-zero goal provided an opportunity for collaboration between industry and government, and expressed expectations that this global dialogue, which began in Pohang, will contribute to greenhouse gas reduction.
Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "Pohang is not only the heart of the traditional steel industry but also a leading city in green new industries. Through this event, we will actively build global partnerships to achieve net-zero goals."
With this event as a catalyst, Pohang City is further solidifying its status as a leading city in green transition and accelerating administrative and diplomatic preparations to host "COP33" in 2028.
The city aims to establish itself as a global hub for climate change response through multifaceted efforts such as expanding eco-friendly industrial infrastructure and increasing the adoption of renewable energy. Pohang also plans to expand the outcomes of international cooperation by closely linking with initiatives discussed at the workshop, such as the "Global Matchmaking Platform of the Climate Club" and the "Net Zero Partnership for Industrial Decarbonization."
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