Global climate conference exposes rifts as South Korea leads with green finance pledges
Over 180 diplomats, experts, and officials gathered at the GGGI-GCF Joint Conference to discuss climate action and finance. The event highlighted global efforts while also drawing attention to recent setbacks in international cooperation. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon used the platform to criticise the United States for its repeated withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
The conference showcased contributions from countries like Jordan and Zambia, who presented their national climate initiatives. Meanwhile, South Korea reinforced its role as a leader in sustainable development, with the Korea Development Bank (KDB) pledging to allocate 28% of its lending to green finance by 2030. The bank, an accredited entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), continues to back eco-friendly projects.
Ban Ki-moon voiced strong disappointment over the U.S. departure from the Paris Agreement, first in 2020 and again in 2021. He urged the country to resume its leadership role, warning that global climate efforts cannot succeed without its participation. His remarks came as the U.S. has withdrawn from 66 international bodies, including 31 UN organisations. In a separate development, Google DeepMind announced a partnership with the Korean government. The collaboration will establish an AI campus in Seoul, focusing on energy, weather, and climate research. The move aligns with South Korea’s push to become a hub for sustainable innovation.
The conference underscored both progress and challenges in global climate action. South Korea’s green finance commitments and AI initiatives signal growing momentum, while the U.S. withdrawal from key agreements remains a point of concern. Countries like Jordan and Zambia continue to advance their own climate strategies amid shifting international dynamics.
