The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE, Minister Kim Sunghwan) announced that, on the occasion of its participation in the 30th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30), held in Belem, Brazil from November 10 to 21 this year (2025), it explored various avenues for cooperation with the international community to advance a decarbonized green transition.

First, Minister Kim Sunghwan presented Korea’s “2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)” to the international community during the high-level segment around midnight on November 18 (Korea time; 12:00 p.m. local time in Brazil). He expressed Korea’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and delivering a decarbonized green transition based on its target to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by 53%-61% compared to 2018 levels.

In addition, he urged the international community to respond to the climate crisis through multilateral cooperation grounded in the spirit of Global Mutirao*, despite mounting uncertainties at the global level.

* Originating from an Indigenous Brazilian language, it means “collective cooperation.” 

He also announced Korea’s decision to join the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), an international cooperation initiative aimed at achieving the phased phase-out of coal-fired power generation, at around 9:00 p.m. on November 17 (Korea time; 9:00 a.m. local time in Brazil).

This initiative provides a practical cooperation platform, such as policy exchanges and technical support, with the goal of phasing out coal-fired power generation. To date, more than 180 members (including national governments, local governments, and companies) participate in the alliance. In Korea’s case, eight local governments, including Chungcheongnam-do and Gyeonggi-do, have already joined.

Next, at 10:30 p.m. on November 17 (Korea time; 10:30 a.m. local time in Brazil), Minister Kim participated in the “Climate and Clean Energy Transition Forum,” where he shared policy visions for a renewable-energy-centered decarbonization transition with ministers from major countries. The event served as a platform to accelerate implementation of the agreement reached at COP28 to “triple global renewable power capacity and double energy efficiency.” It was co-hosted by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Energy Agency.

At the event, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Chris Bowen; Portugal’s Deputy Minister for Energy Jean Barroca; and Denmark’s Climate Ambassador Ole Thonke participated in the thematic presentation session, engaging in discussions on the theme of “Achieving global carbon neutrality through a renewable-energy-centered energy transition.”

Minister Kim Sunghwan emphasized that “responding to the climate crisis is a challenge for all humanity, one that the global community, bound by a shared destiny, must confront together.” He added, “The Ministry will continue to work with the international community and actively participate in the global decarbonization transition so that Korea can become a leading nation in building a decarbonized green civilization.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com