Suwon to Host 'Asia-Pacific Environment Ministers Forum' Confirmed for September 8-11 Next Year

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] The schedule for the '4th Asia-Pacific Environment Ministers Forum' to be held at the Suwon Convention Center has been confirmed for September 8-11 next year.

The UNEP ROAP working-level team, Suwon city officials including Environmental Director Lee Beom-seon, Ministry of Environment, and Suwon Convention Bureau personnel confirmed the dates during an operational meeting held at the Suwon Convention Center on the 10th. They also discussed the forum program schedule.

On the first day of the forum, September 8 next year, the forum will feature participation from major Asia-Pacific stakeholder groups and interested parties, with concurrent science, policy, and business forums. On the 9th, a high-level officials meeting will be held, and on the 10th, a ministers' meeting will take place. The schedule will conclude with environmental site visits on the 11th.

Prior to the operational meeting, the UNEP ROAP working-level team met with Vice Mayor Cho Moo-young at Suwon City Hall.

Vice Mayor Cho Moo-young stated, "We will prepare for the Asia-Pacific Environment Ministers Forum with substance together with citizens" and "We will do our best to ensure that this forum becomes an opportunity to establish a new chapter in global environmental policy beyond the Asia-Pacific region."

The 4th Asia-Pacific Environment Ministers Forum is a regional preparatory meeting for the UN Environment Assembly chaired by the UN Environment Programme. Approximately 500 representatives, including governments from 41 Asia-Pacific countries, international organizations, and NGOs, will discuss current environmental issues. The forum is expected to present new visions on diverse environmental issues including climate change, biodiversity, and chemical management.

Based on the discussion contents, it is expected that the forum will seek ways to overcome global environmental crises following the launch of the Paris Agreement regime in 2021.

The city secured the hosting of the Asia-Pacific Environment Ministers Forum by outbidding Busan and Incheon Metropolitan City. The city anticipates that hosting the 4th Asia-Pacific Environment Ministers Forum will further elevate Suwon's standing in the international community.