Tackling climate change provides chances to grow economy: ROK president

Xinhua

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Addressing climate change is not a burden, but a new opportunity to create future drivers of growth through technological innovation, said President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Park Geun-hye Monday.

The Korean leader made the remarks as she took the podium at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly, which opened at the UN headquarters in New York Monday.

Guided by that belief, she said, her country submitted a forward-leaning Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) last June.

The Republic of Korea is also actively engaged in a transition toward a low-carbon economy, while actively participating in the climate negotiations.

"As the host country of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Secretariat and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Korea will continue to support climate action by developing business models relating to new energy industries and sharing them with developing countries," she added.

Park also reaffirmed commitments to enhancing other global sustainable developments, including global health security and expanded access to education.

The annual high-level General Debate was launched by the 70th session of the UN General Assembly Monday, with a focus on marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, and peace and development in the world at large.

Around 140 heads of state or government are expected to attend this year's general debate, which will last until Oct. 3.