Statement by H.E. Kang Kyung-wha
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Korea

P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030) Launch
20 September 2017

[Greetings]

Mr. Prime Minister,
Madame President,
Mr. Vice Minister,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a great honor and I am delighted to be here today, as we celebrate a very meaningful start. That is the launch of the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G). And I truly thank the organizers for giving me the opportunity to join this prestigious gathering.

As was mentioned, I was part of this building for ten years being at the US system and have recently moved to my new assignment as Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea at a very challenging time as you can imagine.

But it is wonderful to see the connections being made through such a vigorous ambition as demonstrated by the Prime Minister. The tie between modest discuss at the global level, and the action that must be taken at the local level, without which none of this would matter

So, thank you Mr. Prime Minister for taking the leadership, and taking what is a critical issue for our day, our times, and making it work.
The Republic of Korea is fully with you.


[Promotion of Green Growth]

I would like to begin by emphasizing the significance of green growth. Green growth is indeed a new growth paradigm for the transition for a low-carbon green economy. By promoting green growth, we will be able to address the challenges posed by climate change and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are universal, and encompass a broad array of environmental, economic and social challenges that will make our societies and countries healthier and more prosperous.

In this regard, let me extend my sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Denmark, Korea’s highly valued green growth ally. I believe that our green growth alliance for the past 6 years has been very successful.

My deep thanks also go to the OECD, the UN Environment Programme and other global partners. With the determined efforts made by these partners, green growth has indeed emerged as a conceptual as well as operational tool for the global community to rally around.

[Creation of the P4G]

To foster partnerships between governments, institutes and businesses for global green growth, Denmark has hosted the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) every year since 2011. And through the 3GF, we have gained a clearer picture of how to make green growth a reality.

The P4G, built on the achievements of the 3GF, is Denmark’s ambitious initiative to take practical steps to realize green growth. And It is my firm belief that the P4G will bolster our efforts to achieve green growth and the SDGs through enhanced global public-private partnerships.

Korea will remain committed to the P4G. We will encourage Korean research institutes and businesses to join the Partnership. We will seek to find ways to contribute, be it financial or human resources.

[Helping the P4G to partner with the GGGI and the GCF]

The Republic of Korea has been a steadfast advocate of global green growth since the launch of the agenda. We initiated the creation of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in 2012. And in 2013, we were very happy to host of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) headquarters in Incheon. We have also been rendering active assistance for the further development of these two organizations, and encouraging their cooperation to generate a constructive synergy.

We also host the Green Roundtable twice a year to bring all stakeholders together to share their thoughts on ways to promote green growth. The GGGI and the GCF, echoing the Korean government, actively participated in the first and second meeting of the Green Roundtable. And we would be delighted if the P4G could also join us in the near future.

[Closing Remarks]

The essence of today’s discussion is this : Green growth is indispensable. It is the sine qua non if we are to truly achieve sound and sustainable development around the globe. Korea will spare no effort to facilitate global green growth, and the P4G is an important part of our endeavors.

Once again, thank you all distinguished guests for your participation, and the organizers for your hard work. And I wish all of us can have a very fruitful meeting this afternoon. Thank you very much. /END/