The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Jeoung-ae) of the Republic of Korea will jointly organize the 4th Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific (hereinafter 4th AP Forum) with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Suwon city, South Korea from 5 to 7 October 2021. Under the theme of "Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals", the Senior Officials Meeting will be held on 6 October. On 7 October, the Forum's Ministerial Segment will take place and will be attended by Ministers from member countries, high-level officials of international organizations, and representatives of stakeholders.
The AP Forum has served as the official preparatory meeting in Asia Pacific to provide regional inputs to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), UN's highest-level decision-making body on the environment.
The forum will be attended by ministers and senior officials from over 30 member states including Singapore, India, and Mongolia, high-level representatives from international organizations including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), business leaders, and activists from Asia Pacific civil society organizations. Participants will discuss environmental issues in the region and seek solutions through collective actions.
In consideration of safety due to the COVID-19 situation, the 4th AP Forum will take place in hybrid format, both in-person and virtually.
Environment Minister Han Jeoung-ae will chair the Ministerial Segment and lead the member states to provide regional ideas and perspectives to the resumed fifth session of the UNEA (UNEA-5.2) scheduled in February 2022. The official outcome of the 4th AP Forum, the Chair's Summary, will present Asia Pacific's joint commitment to enhancing actions for nature in a way to respond to climate crisis and achieve sustainable development in the region. The Forum will focus on policy measures to expedite green recovery and nature-based solutions* to tackle climate crisis while highlighting joint action based on regional unity and solidarity.
At the 4th AP Forum, the Korean government will introduce its efforts towards the 2050 carbon neutrality vision, including the enactment of the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth (Carbon Neutrality Act) and the country's plan to raise target for the 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The forum will also be the opportunity to reaffirm Korea's commitment to supporting green growth and carbon neutrality of other countries. Korea plans to significantly increase its official development assistant (ODA) programs focusing on climate and environment and to expand the scope of capacity building and technical supports for developing countries partnering with international development institutes.
Alongside the main sessions of the Forum, side events will take place in the Suwon Convention Center from 5 to 7 October.
On 5 October, the Korea-Asia Pacific Green New Deal Cooperation Forum will be co-organized by the Ministry of Environment and the Korea Environment Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI). On the same day, Suwon city will hold the Asia-Pacific Cities Summit and 2021 Suwon Forum on Human City where Asia Pacific local governments will gather to share their visions to build sustainable and climate resilient cities.
Korea will make the 4th AP Forum carbon neutral by using eco-friendly materials and supplies and implementing green transportation scheme. The Ministry of Environment has a plan to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of events by planting trees.
Korean Minister of Environment, Han said "Success in hosting this 4th AP Forum and the COP28 will make a great beginning of the journey toward carbon neutrality. Korea has potential to become a global leader in climate action."
About the *Nature-based solutions
*Nature-based solutions (NBS) refer to actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.
For inquiry, please contact
- International Cooperation Division, Ministry of Environment 044-201-6560 / 6564