Gyeonggi Province Collaborates with Spain and ICLEI in Climate, Economy, Tourism, and More

On March 11, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government welcomed Spanish Ambassador Guillermo Kirkpatrick and ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van ...

On March 11, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government welcomed Spanish Ambassador Guillermo Kirkpatrick and ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van Begin.

Gyeonggi Province discussed plans for collaboration and mutual development in various fields including climate, economy, and tourism with these visiting luminaires.

Let's dive into the conversations that took place!

1. Climate Economy Cooperation Proposed with Spain, a Leading Country for Renewable Energy

Gyeonggi Province and Spain have maintained ongoing exchanges in economy, culture, and other sectors since the province established a sisterhood relationship with the Autonomous Community of Catalonia in 1999.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim, fulfilling the role of a “global governor,” sought a closer relationship with Spanish Ambassador Guillermo Kirkpatrick by proposing climate economy cooperation.

Governor Kim suggested that Spain become an energy innovation partner, shared Gyeonggi’s RE100* goals, and proposed the joining of forces in this regard.

(Global RE100 campaign: Encourages cities to transition to 100% renewable energy.)

Spain, as a leader in renewable energy, tourism, and industry, and the second-largest automobile producer in Europe, generates half of its total power capacity from renewable sources.

Spain has declared RE100, aiming for climate economy innovation and growth through renewable energy, similar to Gyeonggi Province's goals.

Governor Kim stated, "Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Koreans, and I hope today's meeting leads to cooperation in various fields between Gyeonggi Province and Spain," expressing his wish to strengthen bilateral ties.

2. Climate Change Response Cooperation Plan Discussed with the Secretary General of ICLEI

(ICLEI - An international organization officially launched in 1990 during the "World Congress of Local Governments for a Sustainable Future" held at the United Nations headquarters with the mission of realizing sustainability among local governments around the world.)

On the same day, on March 11, ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van Begin visited the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex to discuss cooperation on climate tech cultivation, biodiversity strategies, and renewable energy expansion between Gyeonggi Province and ICLEI.

Governor Kim expressed disappointment with South Korea's regressive climate policies and emphasized Gyeonggi Province's leading and proactive response to the climate crisis. He also conveyed his intention to join the global RE100 campaign as one of the "100% Renewables Cities and Regions" and to encourage all 31 municipalities of the province to participate.

Additionally, he requested the active participation of ICLEI and its member local governments in inviting global climate tech companies to the "Climate Tech Industry Exhibition" to be hosted by Gyeonggi Province later this year.

"Gyeonggi Province's ambitious response to climate change, the Gyeonggi RE100 vision, is setting an example not only in Korea but also internationally," said Secretary General Gino Van Begin. “We are honored to have Governor Kim as a member of the ICLEI World Executive Board representing East Asia. I hope he will join us at the World Congress in Brazil this June to share his commitment and achievements with the international community.”

Gyeonggi Province is advancing as a global climate-friendly metropolitan government!

Gyeonggi Province is advancing as a global climate-friendly local government!

Stay tuned for Gyeonggi Province's efforts to realize a Climate-Friendly Republic of Korea!

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