Icapp wraps up workshop on green cities and air quality

A joint workshop from the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (Icapp) and the Green Global Growth Institute (GGGI) on green cities and air quality improvement wrapped up Thursday in Seoul.

The three-day workshop kicked off Tuesday as 18 representatives from 14 political parties across Asia arrived in the Korean capital. They engaged in discussions that touched upon various environmental issues, including climate change, green cities, air quality and water management. The talks were held at the Plaza Hotel in Jung District, central Seoul.

In a press release, the Icapp said the special program was intended to encourage members of international political parties “to reflect the result of the workshop in their party policy recommendations” when they return home. Icapp Secretary General Park Ro-byug, who formerly served as the Korean ambassador to Russia, signed a memorandum of understanding with GGGI Director General Frank Rijsberman on Thursday to boost cooperation in supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.

The 2030 Agenda was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 25, 2015, to end poverty and hunger, combat inequalities within and among countries, protect human rights and promote gender equality, and achieve sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth. The Paris Agreement refers to an agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emission within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change signed on April 22, 2016.

Key members of the Icapp made a courtesy call to the chief of staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, Bae Jae-jeung, to express their appreciation for Korea’s support and proactive cooperation in the management of the Icapp Secretariat and the Icapp, which are based in Jongno District, central Seoul.

BY LEE SUNG-EUN [lee.sungeun@joongang.co.kr]