International Conference on Climate Security in the Asia-Pacific Region 

Dinner Speech
By H.E. Cho Tae-yul
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Korea

March 21, 2013
Marriott Hotel
 
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Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you all for joining this dinner tonight. I know how tired you must be after all the intensive discussions on such a complicated issue as climate change. So I don’t want to bore you with another long speech. I just want to reiterate the importance of actions as opposed to talks in addressing the issue of climate security. 

In recent years, the understanding of the implications of climate change has broadened to encompass a complex web of development and security issues that are compounded by a shifting geographical landscape and environmental degradation.

Today we have reaffirmed that the Asia-Pacific region is facing adverse impacts of climate change, including the sea-level rise threatening islands and coastal areas, the water scarcity, and a growing number of disasters driving people out of their homes.

I believe that we are united in the shared hope that the international community shall take early action to address the intensifying and growing risks presented by global climate change.

The Korean Government is working hard to reconcile climate change and other environmental challenges with economic growth and will continue to identify and explore new opportunities while also coping with various difficulties and risks in doing so.

Adding to this endeavor, we remain firmly committed to contribute to addressing the issue of climate security. We will continue to help   developing countries enhance their resilience to climate change through various channels including the Global Green Growth Institute or GGGI, the main goal of which is to provide developing countries with assistance for their planning and implementation of green growth strategies.

The purpose of this two-day conference is to assess how far we have come and how to chart the next portion of the long journey in fighting against climate change, figure out what the most urgent problems are, and discuss how to better cope with them.

Sir Nicholas Stern, a renowned economist, once said, “if we act now to tackle climate change, the cost will only be 1% of GDP each year. But delaying action could result in a cost of as much as 20% of GDP.” It is time for us to demonstrate our strong will to tackle climate security and I applaud you for being early movers in this area.

Once again, I would like to thank you all for being here with us tonight. I hope that you will have another round of fruitful discussions tomorrow. May I now propose a toast to the continued success of your joint efforts to address climate security and, more importantly, to your memorable and enjoyable stay in Korea. 

Thank you very much. /END/