Singapore – Governor Kim Tae-heum of South Chungcheong Province, currently in Singapore to attend the Asia Climate Action Summit as the Asia-Pacific Regional Chair of the Under2 Coalition, has engaged in a series of high-level meetings with international philanthropic organizations and global leaders in carbon neutrality. His mission: to strengthen regional collaboration on climate change mitigation and promote the upcoming Carbon Neutrality International Conference in Boryeong, South Korea.
During his visit on May 8th, Governor Kim held crucial discussions at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, meeting with key figures such as Deepali Khanna, Regional Director for Asia at the Rockefeller Foundation; Champa Patel, Local Government Policy Director of the Under2 Coalition; Jebi Rahman, Global Implementation Director; and Aditiya Ragav, South Asia Government Policy Director.
The meeting with Deepali Khanna provided an opportunity to explore the Rockefeller Foundation's extensive work in addressing global challenges, including disaster relief, food security, public health infrastructure, and sustainable energy transitions. Governor Kim acknowledged the Foundation's significant contributions and emphasized the need for targeted support in developing nations like Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. He then extended a personal invitation to Khanna to attend the Carbon Neutrality International Conference in Boryeong, scheduled for September 2-3, 2024. Khanna expressed her gratitude and pledged to make every effort to participate.
The Rockefeller Foundation's diverse portfolio aligns closely with the urgent need for global climate action. As a prominent philanthropic organization, its initiatives span a wide range of sectors, all aimed at fostering sustainable development and resilience. Their work in renewable energy and climate change mitigation is particularly relevant to the goals of the Under2 Coalition and the broader international community.
Governor Kim's discussions with Under2 Coalition officials focused on enhancing regional participation in climate action. The Under2 Coalition, established in 2015, is a global network of subnational governments committed to keeping global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius, with an aspiration of limiting it to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. The coalition provides a platform for sharing best practices, developing policy solutions, and advocating for ambitious climate targets.
During the meeting, Champa Patel requested Governor Kim's involvement in several key events, including the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, media recordings for the UN's Boom-Up campaign on carbon neutrality, and the New York Climate Week meeting on raising national greenhouse gas reduction targets (NDCs). Governor Kim pledged to review his schedule and provide a response upon his return.
Governor Kim also highlighted the importance of increased Asian participation in the Under2 Coalition, given that the region accounts for over 60% of the world's population. He stressed the need for campaigns, organizations, systems, and financial support to facilitate the involvement of developing Asian nations. In addition, he mentioned his upcoming trips to Indonesia and Australia, where he intends to encourage local governments to join the Under2 Coalition.
The Governor further promoted the Carbon Neutrality International Conference in Boryeong, aiming to attract a significant number of Asian local government representatives. He also suggested that The Climate Group, a key partner of the Under2 Coalition, participate to provide a platform for promoting the coalition's initiatives.
The Under2 Coalition's membership includes 22 national governments and 174 subnational governments, representing diverse regions and levels of development. Member states commit to ambitious climate targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2010. The coalition's activities encompass providing information and policy support, facilitating networking opportunities, and advocating for climate action.
South Korea's involvement in the Under2 Coalition is significant, with four metropolitan local governments – South Chungcheong Province, Gyeonggi Province, South Jeolla Province, and Jeju Island – actively participating. Their engagement underscores the country's commitment to climate leadership and its recognition of the crucial role of subnational governments in achieving global climate goals.
Governor Kim's proactive engagement at the Asia Climate Action Summit reflects South Chungcheong Province's dedication to fostering international collaboration on climate change. By promoting the Carbon Neutrality International Conference and strengthening partnerships with organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation and the Under2 Coalition, he is contributing to the global effort to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
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