Climate Change Center

 

On October 23, the Climate Change Center (CCC) hosted “An Evening in Support of Climate Change Center: Celebrating the 17th Anniversary” at Ambassador Seoul Pullman. This year’s slogan—“AN UNSTOPPABLE CLIMATE RACE, TOGETHER TOWARD NET-ZERO!”—reflected a collective commitment to advancing climate action without pause, and to running this urgent race together.

 

Marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, the event incorporated the symbolic colors of Marsala (2015) and Mocha Mousse (2025), blending reflection on the past decade with a forward-looking message of hope, responsibility, and global solidarity.

 

More than 120 climate leaders and supporters joined the celebration, including CCC Chairman Jai-chul Choi, Honorary Chair Yoo Young-sook (former Minister of Environment), Yoon Young-kyoon, Executive Director of the Asia Forest Cooperation Organization (former Director-General of the National Institute of Forest Science), and Dr. Hoesung Lee, Chair of the Carbon Free Alliance and former IPCC Chair. With Chairman Choi’s appointment as the 6th Chair earlier this year, CCC marked 2025 as a year of renewed ambition—strengthening its policy-oriented expertise and expanding its international cooperation and public–private partnerships. Here are the highlights from this special evening.

 

 

 

 

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Opening and Welcome Remarks

 

“Climate leadership is built by the networks of knowledge we create.”

- Jai-chul Choi, Chairman, Climate Change Center

Chairman Choi opened the evening by reflecting on the global slowdown in climate action, despite it being the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. He reaffirmed CCC’s mission to function as a platform that connects policy, science, and civil society, and emphasized strengthening CCC’s three strategic pillars: policy expertise, international cooperation, and future-generation leadership. He reaffirmed CCC’s commitment to serving as a bridge between Korea and the world in advancing climate cooperation.

 

 

“Planting the seeds of climate resilience through Asian cooperation.”

- Yun Young Kyun, Permanent representative of Green Asia Organization

Executive Director Yoon underscored the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on Asia’s ecosystems, economies, and communities. He highlighted the need for deeper international partnerships to scale climate adaptation, expand nature-based solutions, and strengthen carbon sinks through forest and ecosystem restoration across Asia.

 

 

 

 

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Messages from Global Climate Diplomacy Leaders

Ban Ki-moon, 8th UN Secretary-General

Secretary-General Ban emphasized that accelerating climate action requires coordinated effort across governments, businesses, academia, and civil society. He acknowledged CCC’s 17 years of contribution in expanding Korea’s climate diplomacy and international networks, and encouraged the Center to continue serving as a trusted partner in global climate action.

 

Philippe Bertoux, Ambassador of France to Korea

Ambassador Bertoux highlighted the significance of the Paris Agreement’s 10th anniversary, stressing that strengthened global partnerships are essential to addressing the mounting climate crisis. He expressed hope that CCC will continue to expand Korea–Europe climate cooperation and play an increasingly meaningful role in advancing the global net-zero transition.

 

Dr. Hoesung Lee, Chair, Carbon Free Alliance (Former IPCC Chair)

Dr. Lee commended CCC for its quiet but steady contribution to Korea’s climate progress over the past 17 years. Citing Korea’s success in reaching peak emissions despite being a major manufacturing economy, he emphasized that this was possible thanks to institutions like CCC that connect civil society, business, and government to drive climate action.

 

 

 

 

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Highlights of CCC’s Work in 2025

A highlight video showcased CCC’s key achievements across policy, industry, cities, global cooperation, and youth engagement. The film captured CCC’s role in connecting diverse stakeholders to advance real climate solutions.

 

 

[CCC’s Seven Core Achievements in 2025]

- Climatus College — Youth climate communication and leadership platform

- Green Leadership Enhancement Programs — A knowledge and networking hub for climate leaders

- Policy Research and Public Dialogue — Strategic platforms for national climate cooperation

- Global Climate Partnerships — Expanding Korea’s contribution to international climate action

- AORA — A platform connecting businesses and citizens for climate practice

- Green Asia Organization — Strengthening nature-based solutions and regional climate resilience

- Local Government Climate Action Alliance — Supporting subnational climate governance and energy transition

 

 

 

 

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Strengthening Carbon-Neutral Event Practices & CCC’s 2026 Priorities : A More Advanced Carbon-Neutral Event Model

CCC Managing Director Ji-won Choi presented the results of the event’s carbon footprint assessment. Of the 130 attendees, 122 completed the survey, demonstrating strong engagement in the Center’s “participation equals mitigation” ethos. Compared to previous years, the carbon-accounting methodology was expanded—from transportation, venue operations, and catering—to include food waste and general waste streams, enabling a more comprehensive and precise assessment.

 

[Measured Emission Reductions]

- Low-carbon menu → 51% reduction

- Eco-friendly soy-ink printing → 28% reduction

- Sustainable transportation choices → 5.9% reduction

 

The total event emissions of 1.84 tCO₂e were more than fully offset through CCC’s voluntary carbon market platform AORA, retiring 5 tCO₂e in credits—covering both accounted and unaccounted emissions.

 

 

 

 

CCC’s Strategic Priorities for 2026

Managing Director Choi outlined CCC’s three major directions for the year ahead:

1. Climate Governance Innovation & Industrial Transition : Enhancing Korea’s competitiveness by supporting realistic transitions in energy, industry, and circular economy systems, while fostering consensus and stakeholder alignment toward 2050 net-zero.

 

2. Global Climate Solutions Balancing Market and Public Good : Leveraging CCC’s experience in developing-country cooperation to scale Korean climate technologies, advance mitigation–adaptation–co-benefits models, and help Korea exercise credible global climate leadership.

 

3. Youth-Led Climate Communication Innovation : Expanding Climatus College into a platform where youth become creators of climate solutions, through AI-enabled climate projects, climate-content development, and green career pathways.

 

 

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The 15th Climate Change Grand Leaders Award

Since 2011, the Climate Change Grand Leaders Award has honored individuals and institutions demonstrating impactful climate leadership across Korean society. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, this year’s award categories were updated, with winners selected based on mitigation execution, social diffusion, and adaptation resilience.

 

[2025 Award Recipients]

- Corporate Award — CJ CheilJedang: Climate-adaptive innovation in food production

- Venture/Startup Award — SixtyHertz: AI-based renewable energy integration solutions

- Institution Award — Korea Fisheries Resources Agency: Blue carbon and marine ecosystem restoration

- Local Government Award — Pohang City: Low-carbon industries and global partnerships

- Citizen Award — Dr. Serin Shin: CBAM research supporting industrial decarbonization

- Youth Award — Coolimyt: Korea–Africa climate education and youth leadership programs

 

 

 

 

 

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Looking Ahead: Together Toward Net-Zero

 

As the Climate Change Center marks its 17th anniversary, it stands at a new turning point. With experience connecting policy, science, industry, local communities, and youth, CCC is preparing for its next phase—broadening cooperation at home and abroad and strengthening execution capacity. We extend our sincere gratitude for your continued support and look forward to running this unstoppable climate race together.