From a Steel City to a Green Model — Global Organizations and Industry Leaders Gather to Shape a Sustainable Future

Opening ceremony of the World Green Growth Forum. (Source: Pohang City)

 

The city of Pohang has emerged as a leading voice in the global green transition, hosting the 2025 World Green Growth Forum (WGGF) over two days starting May 14 at the Lahan Hotel. With the theme "Green Transition for the Future: Finding a Way Amid Challenges," the event brought together key global organizations and industry leaders to discuss actionable climate solutions.

Major participants included the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the UN Climate Change Innovation Hub, POSCO, and EcoPro, among other global companies. Hosted by Pohang City, the opening ceremony drew a high-profile lineup of guests including Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-deok, National Assembly members Kim Jung-jae and Lee Sang-hwi, Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Environment Minister Kim Wan-seop, and former President Lee Myung-bak.

Mayor Lee emphasized Pohang’s transformation from a steel manufacturing city to a green innovation hub: “We hope our journey becomes a model for other industrial and developing cities worldwide,” he said, stressing that the forum aims to yield practical solutions for sustainable growth.

Former President Lee also addressed the audience, highlighting the urgency of climate action: “Climate change poses one of the greatest challenges to humanity today. It is my hope that WGGF grows into a truly global platform for international cooperation.”

The forum's first day featured in-depth discussions on global policy trends in green growth, international collaboration, carbon-neutral city initiatives, and the private sector’s net-zero strategies. Notably, representatives from Pohang (Korea), Yokohama (Japan), and Tianjin (China) shared their cities’ unique approaches and progress toward decarbonization.

Mayor Lee, presenting in the Carbon Neutral Cities session, remarked, “Pohang is evolving into a hub for green industry and technology. Through this forum, we aim to show the world that local cities can lead on global environmental agendas while fostering cross-city collaboration.”

Day two of the forum will continue with sessions on topics such as nurturing climate tech unicorns, strategic green partnerships, blue carbon in marine ecosystems, and citizen-driven climate action.

Source : The Korea Post(http://www.koreapost.com)