Seoul, 5 September 2022 (TDI): Canada and the Republic of Korea (ROK) agreed to launch a joint Climate Change Dialogue on Monday. The decision was taken during a meeting between Climate Change ambassadors of both countries.

On September 5, 2022, Hyoeun Jenny Kim, ROK Deputy Minister for Climate Change had a meeting with Catherine Stewart, Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Korea.

During the meeting, both Ambassadors acknowledged the catastrophic and intensifying threats posed by climate change. Moreover, they discussed the need to scale up climate action.

It is noteworthy that both countries are trying to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

These NDCs include keeping the 1.5 C goal within reach and fulfilling the 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target along with the 2050 carbon neutrality goal.

On the occasion, the Canadian Ambassador shared Canada’s Net Zero Transition Strategy with the Korean Ambassador. On the other hand, Ambassador Hyoeun highlighted South Korea’s strategies for Climate Action.


Consequently, the Climate Change Ambassadors agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation through the ROK-Canada Climate Dialogue. The Dialogue will be held on an annual basis. Additionally, the 1st ROK-Canada Climate Change Dialogue will take place in 2023.

The Climate Change Ambassadors highlighted that the yearly held dialogue will discuss bilateral cooperation plans concerning the international climate change commitments, policies, and partnerships.

Moreover, the Dialogue will also exchange ideas and best practices regarding domestic climate action. This includes carbon pricing mechanisms, renewables, zero-emissions vehicles, and the deployment of clean technology.

Discussion on UN COP27

The two ambassadors of Climate Change also discussed their agenda for the upcoming COP27. As climate diplomacy leaders, they also affirmed to continue to drive momentum and global climate ambition in the world.

COP 27 will take place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from 7 – 18 November 2022. The Conference marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The conference aims at accelerating global climate action through emissions reduction, scaled-up adaptation efforts, and enhanced flows of appropriate finance.

COP27 will also discuss countries’ preparations and steps towards delivering the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Moreover, it will witness the implementation of the Glasgow pact call to review ambition in NDCs and create a work program for ambition on mitigation.

Canada and ROK Bilateral Relations

Canada and the Republic of Korea enjoy partnerships in a number of domains of trade, education, and climate. Both countries have also signed a Free trade Agreement to facilitate trade.

Moreover, South Korea is Canada’s seventh largest trading partner, 8th largest merchandise export market, and 6th largest source of merchandise imports. Canada-Korea’s two-way merchandise trade was estimated at $14.3 billion in 2020.

Additionally, 240,000 Canadians of Korean descent reside in Canada, while more than 26,000 Canadians live in Korea.

Korea is the 5th largest contributing country of international students studying in Canada and a substantial number of Canadians go to Korea each year to teach English.

In 2023, both countries will celebrate 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the ROK and Canada. Moreover, both countries affirm strengthening their ties further in the future.

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