1. On August 9, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha met with Executive Director of UN Environment Programme Erik Solheim, who is on a visit to the ROK from August 8 to 9.

2. Minister Kang welcomed the visit to the ROK by Executive Director Solheim, who is responsible for addressing global environmental issues, and exchanged views on the current state of cooperation between the ROK and UNEP in climate and environmental affairs.

o Minister Kang stressed that the ROK will work to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, and asked for UNEP’s interest and cooperation to solve transboundary air pollution problems in Northeast Asia, including fine dust.

o Executive Director Solheim agreed on the seriousness of the fine dust problem, and hoped that UNEP will work together with the ROK side on the issue, including by providing a forum for scientific assessments and discussions.

3. In addition, Minister Kang asked for Executive Director Solheim’s interest and cooperation to help more Korean talents work for UNEP, including in high-level positions, and make contributions to the organization. The Executive Director explained that UNEP has a relatively small number of Asian employees, and expressed his willingness to provide active cooperation.

4. The Foreign Ministry will continue to play a leading role in addressing global environmental issues, including achieving the sustainable development goals, climate change and green growth, through continued cooperation with UNEP, which is responsible for dealing with environmental issues within the UN system.


* unofficial translation