(Unofficial Translation)

Honorable Prime Minister Johnson, Excellencies,

It is meaningful to be a part of this occasion where the international community commits to united action and solidarity to respond to the climate crisis. Today, many global citizens are joining us online. I believe the more each and every one of us combine our interests, the faster the return of a green Earth will come.

The Korean people have begun their dialogue with Earth. They attentively listen to the planet and engage in actions and solidarity in diverse ways in their respective positions. Korea became the first country in the world where all of its local governments, 243 in our case, announced a joint declaration to go carbon neutral by 2050. Religious communities and civic organizations launched nationwide campaigns to encourage people to take action to achieve carbon neutrality. Korean businesses are participating in the RE100 project and expanding their investments in renewable energy, accelerating the carbon neutrality efforts. 

Korea officially pledges to raise our 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions today. We will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40 percent compared to the 2018 levels. It is a very challenging goal to steeply cut our emissions over a short period of time. A plan to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent has been included as well. Korea joins the Global Methane Pledge.

Korea will draw on its growth experience and actively cooperate in the efforts to assist developing countries with their transition to a low-carbon economy. We will continue financial backing for climate change responses through the Green Climate Fund and Global Green Growth Institute. Our cooperation in the field of green technology will be expanded through the Climate Technology Centre and Network. We will scale up Green New Deal official development assistance and continue to provide support through the P4G’s public-private partnerships.

Korea upholds the spirit of environmental soundness that climate actions should not, under any circumstances, result in an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, as a country that has progressed from a developing country to an advanced nation, we will actively contribute to achieving a balanced agreement between the advanced nations’ desired “reductions” and the developing countries’ call for “adaptation and finance.”

With the pledge of “action and solidarity” today, I hope that future generations can also connect with blue skies, clean air, dense forests and clear rivers. Korea will always stand with you for a “better future.”

Thank you.