1 July 2016: Participants at the Fourth Green Industry Conference, which addressed the theme ‘Green Industry for Sustainable Cities,’ agreed on the Ulsan Statement on city-level green industry initiatives. The conference discussed the interdependence between cities and industry within the context of eco-innovation, green technology and resource efficiency.
Over 400 participants attended the Fourth Green Industry Conference, which convened in Ulsan, Republic of Korea, from 28-30 June 2016. The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) organized the conference with the support of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Ulsan Metropolitan City.
Participants discussed the relevance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change for green industry and sustainable cities, noting the particular importance of progress on SDG 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all); SDG 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation); SDG 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable); and SDG 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns).
Observing that urban areas are home to half of the world’s population, produce 70% of global gross domestic product (GDP), and generate 70% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste and energy use, UNIDO Director-General Li Yong underscored an urgent need for “environmentally sustainable modes of production and a more efficient use of resource in and around cities—that is green industry.” He said developing countries have an opportunity to “make use of past experience to build a green industrial infrastructure from the very onset” and that industrialized countries can capitalize on opportunities to transfer best available technologies to developing countries. Li further highlighted opportunities to learn from smart, sustainable and resource efficiency initiatives and achieve resource efficiency and circular economies.
The Conference included a high-level panel on ‘Green Industry for Sustainable Cities’ and plenary sessions on the Republic of Korea’s green strategy in urban industrial areas, low-carbon transport and energy for sustainable cities, and an introduction to green industry and the circular economy. During the Conference, UNIDO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with the China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP) to promote cleaner production and resource efficiency. It also signed an MOU with the Republic of Korea’s National Research Council of Science and Technology to expand scientific and technical research cooperation.
UNIDO and the University of Ulsan also signed a joint declaration to enhance their cooperation on ISID, with a focus on eco-friendly urbanization and eco-industrial park development. Under this agreement, UNIDO and the University of Ulsan will establish a working group of representatives to foster cooperation on South-South knowledge and technology transfer, with the aim of identifying and developing future projects and city-level management strategies. [UNIDO Press Release, Conference Closing] [UNIDO Press Release, MOU with Research Council] [UNIDO Press Release, MOU with CECEP] [UNIDO Press Release, Declaration with University] [UNIDO Director-General Opening Remarks] [UNIDO Director-General News] [Conference Website]