Suwon City and Local Government Council for Climate Crisis Response Declare Joint "Climate Leadership"

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon City and the 'Local Government Council for Climate Crisis Response and Energy Transition' held the 'Vision 2035! Climate Crisis Transformation' forum at Suwon Convention Center from July 23-24.

The forum was held under the theme of 'Climate Leadership of Local Governments Based on Climate Decentralization' to emphasize the role of local governments in responding to the climate crisis and to establish a foundation for cooperation with the central government.

On the first day, presentations of outstanding policies of local governments were made, and the main event on the second day featured a joint declaration, awards for outstanding policies, keynote remarks, and session presentations.

The main event was attended by about 300 people, including Lee Jae-jun, Mayor of Suwon and eighth-term chair of the 'Local Government Council for Climate Crisis Response and Energy Transition,' Lim Byung-taek, Mayor of Siheung, Park Seung-won, Mayor of Gwangmyeong, Jeon Jin-seon, County Governor of Yangpyeong, Yun Byung-tae, Mayor of Naju, Jung Gu-won, Vice Mayor of Hwaseong, Kim Jae-yong, Vice District Chief of Eunpyeong, environmental experts, and citizens.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun of Suwon said in his opening remarks, "This forum is an occasion to share the achievements of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and to declare our joint will for local governments to lead the transformation against the climate crisis." He added, "Local governments will lead the energy transition in coordination with the central government and create a sustainable future together with citizens."

He further emphasized, "The key to success in responding to the climate crisis is voluntary citizen participation," and stressed that "this requires strengthening the authority of local governments and close solidarity between the central government and local governments."

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik delivered a video congratulatory message, stating, "The frontline of climate crisis response is local government," and "Climate decentralization, fiscal decentralization, and energy independence are key tasks in addressing the current climate crisis." He added, "I hope this forum will materialize the vision and strategies of local governments and lead to a realistic roadmap for collaboration with the central government."

At the forum, a joint declaration drafted by the heads of member cities of the 'Local Government Council for Climate Crisis Response and Energy Transition' was released, containing their commitment to responding to the climate crisis.

In the joint declaration, they committed to implementing and practicing the following over the next 10 years: △focusing on policy transformation for sustainable development △setting reduction and adaptation targets suited to regional conditions and establishing and implementing feasible roadmaps △leading regional energy transition and establishing the foundation for just transition through cooperation with the central government and private sectors △ensuring the rights of vulnerable populations to climate impacts and establishing an inclusive governance system △building resilient local communities to respond to climate disasters and advancing adaptation strategies using digital technology and nature-based solutions △realizing climate decentralization and strengthening solidarity with domestic and international local governments to become a hub for climate diplomacy and cooperation.

Prior to the joint declaration, Gwangmyeong City, Siheung City, and Paju City received the Minister of Environment Award in the outstanding policy presentations.

In the afternoon, the 'Local Government Council for Climate Crisis Response and Energy Transition' held its first extraordinary meeting of 2025 to discuss major project implementation plans and amendments to operating regulations.

The forum is expected to conclude with a keynote address by Professor Kim Jung-in of Chung-Ang University titled 'Climate Crisis Response as a New Opportunity and the Role of Regions,' followed by sessions on △outstanding policy presentations on climate crisis response △fiscal decentralization of local governments (discussion) △local energy independence and decentralization-oriented transition (discussion).