Yeosu Selected as Final Candidate to Host 2026 UN Climate Week

Jeollanam-do announced on the 29th that Yeosu has been selected as the final domestic candidate city to host the 2026 UN Climate Week, organized by South Korea’s Ministry of Environment.

UN Climate Week, launched in 2021 under the UNFCCC, is a major international environmental event that brings together thousands of parties, international organizations, and NGOs to set the agenda ahead of the annual COP meetings.

The Ministry of Environment opened the national competition in September, with Yeosu (Jeollanam-do), Goyang (Gyeonggi-do), and Jeju among five applicants. After a document review and presentation, Yeosu was chosen, recognized for its strong record in hosting large-scale events like the 2012 World Expo and for its infrastructure.

The selection reflects Jeollanam-do’s strategic location for carbon neutrality, relevance to climate discussions, seasonal programs, regional solidarity, and strong civic engagement.

Jeollanam-do and Yeosu City will now work with the national government to finalize the hosting, preparing venues, programs, and logistics. Governor Kim Young-rok stated that the bid is “an opportunity for Korea to emerge as a global leader in responding to the climate crisis” and to showcase Jeollanam-do’s commitment to attracting COP33.

Jeonnam International Agricultural Expo Hosts On-site Promotions at Yeongnam-Honam Exchange Center

The Jeollanam-do International Agricultural Expo boosted anticipation for its upcoming October event by participating in the East-West Harmony Yeongnam-Honam Culture, Arts, and Tourism Expo in Damyang.

The three-day expo, which concluded on the 21st, highlighted cultural, artistic, and tourism exchanges between the Yeongnam and Honam regions. Visitors enjoyed local specialty exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive activities such as traditional Korean games and social media-linked events.

Park Gwan-soo, Director of the Agricultural Expo, emphasized the importance of engaging directly with local communities to raise awareness and interest.

The 2025 International Agricultural Expo, themed “Agriculture Changes the World – Agricultural Innovation with AI, K-Agriculture that Cultivates Life,” will take place from October 23 to 29 at the Jeonnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services in Naju-si, Jeollanam-do.

South Korean Delegation Explores Bilbao’s Role as a Sustainable Energy Hub

A delegation from Jeollanam-do Province in South Korea recently visited the Port of Bilbao to gain deeper insights into its transformation into a sustainable energy hub. The port presented its strategic projects in the fields of offshore wind, renewable hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and broader energy transition measures. A central focus was the BilbOPS project, which from 2027 will enable berthed vessels to connect to renewable shore power. This initiative will significantly reduce emissions and noise pollution in the port area and is partly financed through an €80 million loan from the European Investment Bank, underlining its importance for the region’s green transition.

The discussions also addressed the development of green and digital maritime corridors and the establishment of renewable hydrogen connections between Bilbao and Central Europe, reflecting the port’s ambition to become a key player in the European decarbonisation pathway. For the South Korean delegation, Bilbao’s advanced infrastructure, established logistics networks, and strong offshore energy value chain – with leading companies active in the sector – were of particular interest.

The visit not only provided the Korean representatives with a comprehensive overview of Bilbao’s sustainability efforts but also opened the door for future cooperation between Basque and Korean partners in renewable energy and port innovation. By learning from Bilbao’s example, Jeollanam-do aims to strengthen its own offshore wind and clean energy strategies while exploring opportunities for international collaboration.

More information here: https://www.bilbaoport.eus/en/news/south-korea-visits-the-port-of-bilbao-to-learn-about-its-role-as-a-sustainable-energy-hub/