Pohang Steps onto the Arctic Circle Stage... Mayor Lee Gangdeok Hosts First Business Session by a Korean Local Government

Emphasizing the Role of Local Governments in the Arctic Shipping Era
Pohang Emerges as a Leading City for Global Climate and Economic Cooperation
Sharing Carbon Neutrality and Innovation Industry Strategies
Pohang Presents Its Vision as a Global Hub in the Arctic Shipping Era

On October 18 (local time), Lee Gangdeok, Mayor of Pohang, hosted the first-ever business session by a domestic local government at the Arctic Circle Assembly held in Reykjavik, Iceland, emphasizing that local governments should play a leading role in the era of the Arctic.

Lee Gangdeok, mayor of Pohang City, held the first business session by a domestic local government at the Arctic Circle Assembly held in Reykjavik, Iceland on the 18th. Photo by Pohang City

During the assembly, Mayor Lee met with Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Chairman of the Arctic Circle Assembly, to discuss Pohang's Arctic cooperation strategy and ways to expand international networks.

Lee Kangdeok, Mayor of Pohang (second from right), is meeting with Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Chairman of the Arctic Circle Assembly (left), to discuss Pohang's Arctic cooperation strategy and plans to expand international networks.

At the meeting, Mayor Lee stated, "As a gateway city to Asia in the Arctic era, Pohang intends to actively participate in Arctic cooperation networks." He invited Chairman Grimsson to deliver a keynote speech at the World Green Growth Forum to be held in Pohang and proposed that Pohang host a regional forum of the Arctic Circle Assembly.

In response, Chairman Grimsson remarked, "Pohang's carbon neutrality and industrial transformation policies are very impressive," and added, "I will actively support Pohang in expanding its role through participation in various programs and lectures at the Arctic Circle Assembly."

He specifically stated, "If you submit a proposal to host the Arctic Business Forum, we will actively review and support it at the assembly level."

Mayor Lee expressed his gratitude for the chairman's suggestion, saying, "Once the Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center (POEX) is completed, we will make thorough preparations to host the event," and emphasized, "Pohang will actively participate in developing sustainable Arctic shipping routes and establishing global governance."

This Arctic Circle Assembly business session, the first ever hosted by a domestic local government, was held at the Kaldalon Hall of the Harpa Conference Center in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Under the theme of "Global Innovative Industrial Zone and Cooperation," the session presented a new model for carbon neutrality and Arctic cooperation.

The event went beyond the traditional academic and policy-focused discussions, exploring Pohang's carbon-neutral transition policies and international cooperation strategies for the Arctic shipping era from an industrial and economic perspective, seeking opportunities for Arctic business, investment, and new industrial cooperation.

In his presentation, Mayor Lee said, "Pohang is a symbolic steel city that has led Korea's industrialization for half a century, and a sustainable city that has built resilience by transforming from a gray city to a green city in overcoming the climate crisis." He added, "Through a major industrial transformation to reduce carbon, the city is evolving into a global innovative industrial zone."

He also highlighted the strategic location and industrial infrastructure of Pohang's Yeongilman Port, emphasizing, "The Arctic shipping route is the Silk Road of the 21st century, and Pohang has the potential to grow as a gateway city connecting Asia, the Arctic, and Europe."

In particular, Mayor Lee unveiled Pohang's "GOLDEN Initiative" strategy at the session. He said, "By focusing on Greenin, Low-carbon Transition, Decarbonization of transportation and logistics, and Network and Pohang, we aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050."

GOLDEN stands for Greenin, Low-carbon Transition, Decarbonization, Network and Pohang.

He further stressed, "Local governments are key actors capable of implementing consistent climate policies that citizens can feel," and "the role of local governments, with continuity and execution in policy, is more important than ever."

Later, the Pohang delegation visited Reykjavik City Hall, where they met with Mayor Heida Bjorg Hilmisdottir and proposed that Pohang become the first Asian city to initiate international exchanges with Reykjavik.

Both sides deeply agreed on the need for Arctic cooperation led by local governments and expressed their intention to expand exchanges in the future.

They also proposed the idea of forming an alliance with cities outside the Arctic region, and invited the Mayor of Reykjavik to major events such as the World Green Growth Forum and the Pohang Light Festival, expressing their intention to pursue practical exchanges. Mayor Hilmisdottir responded that she would actively consider the proposal.

Subsequently, Mayor Lee met with Martin Bjork, Second Deputy Mayor of Lulea, Sweden, and Daniel Smarat, Chairman of the City Council, requesting support so that cities from non-Arctic countries can also participate in the Arctic Market Forum, thereby broadening the scope of cooperation.

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