○ WLGCS held at KINTEX in Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, from April 15 to 16
– Co-hosted by Gyeonggi Province and ICLEI, with over 1,600 participants from 82 cities in 29 countries and international organizations
– Discussions on local governments’ roles and cooperation measures with “Science-based Green Transition for All” as the vision
– Joint declaration to be adopted and presented at the upcoming COP30 Climate Conference

The World Local Government Climate Summit (WLGCS) opened on April 15 at KINTEX in Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, to facilitate local governments’ climate action and strengthen international solidarity in the face of the global climate crisis.

The summit was jointly hosted by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), and drew more than 1,600 participants, including representatives from 82 cities across 29 countries, international organizations, and experts in climate and energy policy.

This year’s WLGCS marks Gyeonggi’s first time hosting a massive international event of this kind following the province’s establishment of ICLEI Korea’s headquarters in KINTEX. The gathering was organized to intensify local-level responses to the climate emergency and lay stronger foundations for global cooperation. Under the theme “Science-based Green Transition for All,” attendees at this summit explored solutions to build sustainable local communities.

Kicking off on April 15 with an opening ceremony, the event proceeded with keynote speeches, plenary sessions, six parallel breakout sessions, and a RE100 Cities Network performance. On April 16, the summit featured additional breakout sessions, the closing ceremony, a formal Global Local Government Joint Declaration, and a site visit to the Janghang Wetlands.

The opening ceremony began with remarks by ICLEI President Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, followed by a welcome speech from Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs Kim Seong-jung, a congratulatory address by Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Member Oh Jun-hwan, and a video message from former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. In his keynote address, Green Climate Fund (GCF) Chair Seyni Nafo emphasized the importance of sustainable local cities and their pivotal role in climate finance mechanisms.

A notable highlight was the RE100 Cities Network performance, presented by the joint efforts of Gyeonggi Province, Gwangmyeong City, Paju City, and international organization representatives. The show symbolized local administrative bodies’ commitment to a full-scale transition toward renewable energy.

The core themes for sessions during the summit are as follows: science-based solutions; civic participation; climate economy; climate inclusiveness; and harmony with nature. Various local government leaders took turns as chairs for the sessions, presenting on themes such as their local organizations’ environmental policies and climate action strategies. Notable figures included Rajkot (India) Mayor Nayanaben Pedhadiya; North Miami (U.S.) Mayor Alix Desulme; and Hobart (Australia) Mayor Anna Reynolds.

On April 16, the final day of the summit, participants formally adopted the Global Local Government Declaration, which outlines a collective commitment by local governments to take tangible action and play a leading role in creating a sustainable future. This declaration will be submitted to the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), set to be held in Brazil this November, ensuring that the voices of local governments are represented on the global stage.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government anticipates that this summit will underscore the vital role of local governments in addressing the climate crisis and serve as a catalyst for expanding global cooperation by sharing successes and policy strategies from across the world.

Gyeonggi Province Climate Change, Environment & Energy Director General Cha Seong-su once again highlighted the role of local governments as he introduced the province’s leading environment initiatives, including Gyeonggi RE100, Climate Platform, and Climate Insurance. He added, “Our policies are grounded in scientific data and serve as practical, community-based models for climate crisis response.”