Hosted by the British Embassy in collaboration with Ewha Womans University, the meeting brought together over 100 participants, including conservationists, business leaders, and students.
The meeting's key speakers included British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Kim Sang-hyup from a presidential committee for carbon neutrality and green growth, and Kim Eun-mee, president of Ewha Womans University. They shared their in-depth insights and discussed various environmental issues.
Lammy highlighted that climate, nature, and development are top agendas for his country under the newly British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. His remarks followed his recent statement emphasizing the U.K.'s commitment to placing climate and nature at the core of its foreign policy.
Monday's discussion focused on how the U.K. and South Korea can strengthen cooperation on these matters. Lammy pointed out that the role of diplomats now extends beyond traditional international security concerns to tackle climate change and environmental challenges.
"The U.K. is determined to play its part in tackling climate change. We see this as critical to our security," Lammy said. He also called for global action, urging developed countries to help emerging economies in their shift to renewable energy. "Countries like the U.K. and South Korea should support them in doing so," he added.
Kim said the university's role as the first in Korea to offer specific courses through its Department of Climate and Energy Systems Engineering. "We're very pleased to host this meaningful meeting at the university. We hope today's discussions will inspire more research and efforts to address climate change," she added.
