President Lee Stresses G20 Joint Response to Climate and Disaster Crises—'South Korea Will Take the Lead'

(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Ji Seo Jeong – President Lee Jae-myung on the 22nd (local time) expressed South Korea's strong commitment to actively participate in global climate and disaster response efforts, stating that the nation will take a leading role.

In his address at the G20 Summit's second session, themed "A Resilient World," held in Johannesburg, South Africa, President Lee said, "As highlighted by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, we are facing complex crises across multiple sectors." He added, "However, if we can adequately absorb shocks and strengthen resilience, new opportunities will emerge and a new foundation for growth will be established."

President Lee emphasized, "The international community must continue to strengthen efforts to address the climate crisis." He noted, "South Korea has set its 2035 greenhouse gas reduction target and established a mid- to long-term climate-resilient development pathway to join the global effort. Our government will act as a responsible member of the international community in the journey to tackle climate change."

He further stated, "A shift toward prevention and resilience must be prioritized," and assessed, "This year's G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Ministerial Meeting's adoption of a multi-hazard early warning system is highly appropriate."

President Lee continued, "South Korea is also striving to create a future where no one is left behind and everyone is safe from disaster threats. We are supporting disaster risk reduction projects, such as establishing flood early warning systems in Asia-Pacific countries." He stressed, "South Korea will actively join G20 member states in efforts to strengthen disaster response resilience."

He also proposed, "During the energy transition, we must actively invest in resilient infrastructure systems," and added, "The international community should continue solidarity and cooperation to enhance the resilience of the global food system."

Additionally, President Lee reiterated, "The resilience of a single nation leads to the resilience of the entire world," and pledged, "South Korea will take the lead in building a global system that can reduce risks in advance, withstand shocks, and recover to an even better state."

jsjeong@yna.co.kr

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