(Unofficial Translation)

His Excellency Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Co-Chairs of the Global Commission on Adaptation, His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, Mr. Bill Gates, 
and Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, and Your Excellencies, 

Marking the first year of the implementation of the Paris Agreement this year, I am delighted to attend the 1st Climate Adaptation Summit held to pool our wisdom on climate change adaptation.

Climate adaptation is a wisdom cultivated by humankind to live in harmony with nature, and an effort made by humanity to strive to live in safety, free from climate risks. Building on the past efforts focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Agreement identified climate adaptation with all parties as a key component in the response to climate change, earning a recognition as a monumental triumph for people and our planet.

Koreans have a strong will to live in harmony with nature, even if it entails some inconvenience on their part, and have been preemptively and willingly playing a part in the endeavors by humankind to adapt to climate change.

In 2009, prior to the adoption of the Paris Agreement, we designated Korea Adaptation Center for Climate Change, and since 2010, have established and implemented a five-year rolling National Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Even in the midst of the difficulties of COVID-19 last year, our people and the government put our heads together to produce the 3rd National Climate Change Adaptation Plan for a Climate-Safe Nation, and from this year, we will develop and execute detailed implementation plans.

Korea will be unwavering in moving toward carbon neutrality by 2050 as pledged last year. We will present simplified codes of conduct that can be put into practice in our daily lives, and will move forward with the Green New Deal combined with digital innovation in all aspects of society. We will also gladly share our experience and achievements with all countries in the world.

Moreover, we will contribute to climate adaptation efforts of developing countries. We plan to expand and develop the annual capacity-building program for adaptation, and this year, we will launch an Adaptation Academy program in collaboration with the Secretariat of the UNFCCC. We look forward to the active participation of the Global Commission on Adaptation.

In May this year, the 2nd P4G Summit will be held in Seoul, the Republic of Korea. As host country, Korea will spare no effort to ensure substantial discussions take place on how to overcome the climate crisis and build back greener including adaptation to climate change. Your sincere interest and full participation would be most deeply appreciated.

Thank you.