Good morning, fellow Koreans,

Despite some difficulties, this past week was filled with many historic events for the nation. Leaders of many countries offered congratulations on the “great week” of Korea. I truly want to join all Koreans in rejoicing to the full.

The Republic of Korea was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Even when the Security Council was convened to discuss issues involving inter-Korean relations, we had to chase after the member countries one by one outside the conference room to ask for their support. We have now become a Security Council member, and moreover, we are scheduled to serve as the chair in February next year. The achievement came at a very critical juncture. I am grateful to the 149 countries that stood in support of the Republic of Korea.

Fellow citizens,

What is all the more gratifying is the news that Korea won the bid to house the headquarters of a large-scale international organization, the Green Climate Fund. It is projected to evolve into a global organization greater than the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in the years to come.

Some of you may wonder what kind of organization the Green Climate Fund is. Simply put, it is a world bank in the environmental sector. Funded by the advanced countries, it is designed to assist developing countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and countering climate change

It is the first time for an Asian country, let alone Korea, to become the host of such a significant international organization. Last year when Korea unveiled its intention to host the organization, everyone thought our chances were slim. Germany, one of the competing rivals, is the most renowned green nation in the world. Worse yet, the Interim Secretariat of the Green Climate Fund is presently located in Bonn, Germany. For these reasons, Korea was regarded as the underdog in the competition.

The news that Korea beat out rivals to host the organization despite such disadvantages came as a surprise upset to the international media. One head of state said to me, “The Republic of Korea is able and qualified to contribute to the international community. I supported Korea because it has sufficient capabilities.”

Korea has hosted major conferences on internationally important issues, including the G20 Summit, the Nuclear Security Summit and the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness. The country has also steadily carried out green growth policies. Such endeavors must have helped build trust in the international community and resulted in the recent achievement. I am planning on writing letters of appreciation and making thank you phone calls to every single head of state who has cooperated with us and provided support in the bidding process.

My fellow citizens,

The task of the 20th century was to eradicate poverty, but the biggest challenge that humanity has to address in the 21st century is climate change. In this connection, the fact that Korea was chosen as the host country of the Green Climate Fund carries added significance, indeed. 

In my 2008 Liberation Day remarks, I declared green growth, which is aimed at striking a balance between the economy and the environment, as the new vision for national progress. This vision has now become a mega trend embraced by many countries around the world. As a result, the term “green growth” emanating from Korea is now a part of the common language of the world.

For the first time in history, Korea has emerged as a nation that takes the initiative in setting an agenda topic for humanity, which is well demonstrated by the selection of Korea as the host country of the GCF. Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, extended congratulations, saying that she pins high expectations on the successful interaction between Korea''s green growth vision and the GCF in the years to come.

Both the tangible and intangible effects stemming from the hosting of the GCF will be truly enormous. In the beginning, thousands of staff members will reside in Songdo, Incheon. In addition, about a hundred conferences will be convened annually, which means that the city will host international conferences almost all the year round.

Not a one-off event such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, this permanent organization will be scaled up as the years go by, thereby making significant contributions to the national economy.

The fact that a large-scale international body is headquartered in Korea also means much on the security front. More than anything else, the global confidence in Korea and the recognition of Korea as a leading advanced country is also very meaningful, indeed.

If Songdo aims to attract numerous global citizens, it would have to be equipped with a pleasant and convenient living environment, better than those of New York, Paris and Geneva. To this end, it is imperative to build the necessary infrastructure and overhaul legal systems and institutions.

This recent feat has come with increased responsibilities and duties on our part. In response, Koreans have to set a good example in translating the profound awareness on the environment and climate change into action in their everyday lives.

Korea is the only country that rose to a member of the G20 from a poverty-stricken nation in a matter of a generation. Many developing countries are benchmarking Korea as a role model. Furthermore, our nation is in the midst of successfully overcoming environmental destruction caused by fast growth and development.

Thanks to these experiences, the Republic of Korea has exercised great persuasive power in spreading the value of green growth to developing countries that are experiencing rapid growth. That is why Korea was supported at the recent meeting by many developing nations from Africa and Central and South America as well as Asia.

At the GCF council meeting on October 17, a South African delegate praised Korea with emotion saying that he wants to share Korea’s experiences in national development and green growth. By playing the role of a bridge between the developing and developed worlds, our country can contribute to the international community and find our own future there.

Another feat that Korea can celebrate and deserves congratulations for is that the Global Green Growth Institute which it initiated has also been officially launched as an international organization. For a long time, Korea has largely worked through the international organizations that were created by other countries. But now, we have created one in which both industrialized and developing countries will be working together.

The GCF can be described as a bank that finances green projects, while GGGI engages in comprehensive consulting concerning green strategies and technologies. When the GCF and GGGI produce synergy, Korea will evolve into a major global hub for green growth.

Fellow Koreans,

Along with the happy news, there are worrisome news as well. The nation’s growth is somewhat slowing as the world enters a low-growth era. The Korean economy has been faring relatively better than many other economies, which in turn means the lowering of the foreign exchange rate. This, however, makes difficulties for exporters.

The Korean economy may experience temporary hardships, but I am confident of a fast turn-around. This is a time for the Government, business and the public to join forces to increase investment and create more jobs. Just as it did during the 2008 global crisis, the Government will actively support and encourage all businesses—big and SMEs.

When the going is tough, it is all the more necessary to boost the enterpreneurship. I hope the business people particularly will show a challenging entrepreneurship.

Fellow citizens, thank you very much.