‘Urban Environment Agreement Yeosu Summit’ Successfully Concludes

Adoption of the Yeosu Declaration, "Request for Full Support from UEA Member Cities for Joint Hosting of COP28 in the South Coast and South Central Region"

[Yeosu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Sim Kyung-taek] The '2021 Urban Environment Agreement Yeosu Summit,' which became a heated forum for overcoming the climate crisis and the role of sustainable cities over a three-day journey from September 29 to October 1, closed on the 1st.

Under the theme of 'Sustainable Cities through Achieving Carbon Neutrality,' 156 member cities from 51 countries and UN agencies participated both online and offline.

The Yeosu Summit, which opened with the International Renewable Energy Forum and Youth Forum, successfully concluded with a total of four subcommittee meetings, including the Embassy Session in Korea and the South Coast Southern Central Region Forum, as well as three special sessions held in a diverse manner.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Yeosu City canceled all face-to-face programs such as side events and experience booths, and broadcast the entire event live online to increase non-face-to-face participation from overseas member cities and the interest of Yeosu citizens.

At the closing ceremony, Yeosu Mayor Kwon Oh-bong and UEA Secretary-General Yoon Won-tae adopted the '2021 UEA Yeosu Declaration,' which reflected the voices of the summit participants, and energetically read the 'Yeosu Declaration.'

The Yeosu Declaration stated, "We recognize that climate change is progressing faster than predicted and will further strengthen cooperation for the international community's response to climate change and achievement of sustainable development goals," and pledged to "recognize that the global pandemic of COVID-19 and the climate crisis currently facing cities are the keys to solutions and to take action to pass on safe and resilient green cities to our descendants."

Furthermore, to realize 'Sustainable Cities through Carbon Neutrality,' six detailed support points were adopted based on discussions held during the summit sessions.

These include a resolution to "strengthen cooperation for the joint bid of COP28 in the South Coast Southern Central Region, which will serve as a good precedent for East-West integration and balanced national development, and to request full support from UEA member cities." It also called for "renewed recognition of the CO2 absorption function of seaweed, which is far superior to trees, and an international appeal for its restoration and proliferation," and resolved to "actively support local governments in expanding the use of renewable energy, implementing carbon neutrality (Net Zero) policies, and climate action."

Yeosu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Sim Kyung-taek simkt7@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.