SEOUL: An international conference was held in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss strategies for addressing innovative climate change measures in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the foreign ministry said. According to Yonhap News Agency, the event, named Seoul Debates, was co-hosted by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Seoul Policy Centre. The conference featured prominent figures including UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, who was visiting South Korea for the first time since his appointment in 2017, and Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun. The gathering also included a diverse group of scholars and experts from various fields. The SDGs, which were unanimously adopted by all U.N. member states in 2015, consist of 17 global goals designed to achieve peace and prosperity for people and the planet, while tackling major challenges such as climate change. In her opening remarks, Vice Foreign Minister Kang stressed that the global crisis induced by climate change is not only undermining development achievements but also threatening human well-being worldwide. UNDP Administrator Steiner, during his speech, acknowledged the significant challenges posed by climate change. However, he also emphasized the potential for collective action to transform this crisis into an opportunity for sustainable change, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation and innovative approaches in achieving the SDGs. The Seoul Debates serve as an international platform for sharing South Korea's experiences in development cooperation and exploring effective strategies across various sectors. This year marks the fifth iteration of the conference, which first commenced in 2013, underscoring its ongoing commitment to facilitating global discussions on sustainable development.
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