Chungcheongnam-do has joined forces with domestic and international local governments, international organizations, and businesses to share practical measures for carbon neutrality and expand cooperation for climate crisis response and industrial transition.

On the 21st, the province held the ‘10th Chungnam International Conference on Carbon Neutrality’ at Sono Belle Cheonan, drawing around 500 attendees, including Chungnam Administrative Vice Governor Hong Jong-wan, National Climate Crisis Response Committee Chairperson Lee Chang-hoon, Cheonan Mayor Jang Ki-soo, and various domestic and international figures.

Co-organized with Cheonan City and Climate Group—an international non-profit organization—the two-day event runs through the 22nd under the theme, ‘Local Government Action and Proactive Corporate Response for Carbon Neutrality.’

This year’s focus is on expanding international climate cooperation while exploring ways to support corporate responses to tightening climate regulations as well as carbon neutrality investments and demonstrations.

Following the opening ceremony and keynote speeches in the morning, the afternoon featured three thematic sessions covering international climate cooperation and corporate carbon neutrality responses, along with three policy sessions discussing regional policy issues.

The opening ceremony was graced by notable diplomatic figures and international guests, including Bernadette Therese Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Korea; Gareth Weir, Deputy Ambassador of the British Embassy in Seoul; Ashley Maloney, Counselor at the Embassy of Canada to Korea; Hou Hongbo, Director General of the Qinghai Provincial Ecology and Environment Department of China; and Krzysztof Jóźwik, Rector of Lodz University of Technology in Poland.

In his keynote speech, Chairperson Lee Chang-hoon presented a strategic direction emphasizing that the implementation of carbon neutrality must translate into concrete action based on collaboration between governments and businesses.

The thematic sessions covered:

-Greenhouse gas reduction and vitalization of international climate cooperation
-Global climate regulation trends and proactive corporate response strategies
-Corporate carbon neutrality practices and financing strategies through green finance linkage

The policy sessions addressed:

-Eco-friendly refrigerant transition seminar
-Chungnam-Asia Carbon Neutrality Innovation Initiative seminar
-Discussion forum on promoting the introduction of Chungnam-style climate insurance

In addition, separate policy sessions were arranged for related organizations and experts to discuss concrete solutions addressing regional policy challenges, such as tightened international refrigerant regulations and the rising damage inflicted on provincial residents by climate disasters.

Furthermore, 20 climate tech companies and institutions operated promotional booths showcasing diverse technologies and products, including hybrid streetlights utilizing renewable energy, sensor-based carbon neutrality facility monitoring, and water electrolysis hydrogen applications.

On the second day, the 22nd, a field trip program is scheduled to take place. Participants will tour Cheonan’s environmental infrastructure facilities to directly witness the region’s carbon neutrality sites on the ground.

An official from the province stated, "Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the International Conference on Carbon Neutrality serves as a stage for international cooperation showcasing Chungnam’s leadership in responding to the climate crisis—moving from coal phase-out to carbon neutrality and industrial structure transition." The official added, "Alongside the international community, businesses, and provincial residents, we will lead the energy transition and create substantive outcomes that enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises by proactively responding to international climate regulations."

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