President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sept. 20 delivers a keynote address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York. (Jeon Han)

By Lee Dasom

President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sept. 20 expressed Seoul's active commitment to narrowing the global divide amid complex global crises.

In his keynote address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, he proposed how the Korean government could contribute to reducing global divides in development, climate and the digital sector.

On the development divide, President Yoon said, "Despite this year's fiscal austerity measures, the Korean government has raised the ODA (official development assistance) budget plan for the upcoming year by over 40 percent," adding, "We will allocate the increased ODA funds to foster development cooperation tailored to the needs of our partner countries."

Pledging to expand green ODA for countries vulnerable to climate change to ease the climate divide, he added, "We will contribute an additional 300 million dollars to the Green Climate Fund (GCF)."

To achieve carbon neutrality, the president said, "Korea will not only harness renewable energy but also extensively employ high-efficiency carbon-free energy (CFE), such as nuclear power and hydrogen, as a realistic measure to hasten our pursuit of carbon neutrality," adding, "We also plan to share these energy sources with countries vulnerable to climate change, ensuring they too can benefit."

Turning to the digital divide, he said, "Korea plans to play a leading role in bridging the digital divide, utilizing our strengths in information and communications technologies (ICT)."

"Korea will support the digital transformation of countries with limited digital penetration and utilization," he added. "This will enhance their citizens' access to education, healthcare, and financial services."

On Korea serving on the U.N. Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 2024-25 term, the president said, "The Republic of Korea commits to playing a responsible role in promoting and building global peace, as we work closely with fellow UN member states."

Finally, President Yoon requested support for Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo.

"Now the Republic of Korea will play its role as a responsible member of the global community by hosting the 2030 Expo in Busan – a gateway that links the Eurasian continent and the Pacific," he said. "Korea intends to give back to the international community by sharing its experience of economic growth and development, reciprocating the help it has received in the past."

On Sept. 22, President Yoon will attend luncheon meetings with the leaders of Pacific islands and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna to conclude his official schedule before flying home.

dlektha0319@korea.kr