Chairman Choi Jai-chul Leads Global Climate and Energy High-Level Dialogue During WCE > 게시글

Chairman Choi Jae-chul of Climate Change Foundation moderated the high-level dialogue session at the Global Climate and Energy Roundtable held on September 16 at BEXCO in Busan.

Held alongside the 2026 World Climate Industry Expo (WCE), the roundtable brought together around 100 participants from international organizations, governments, and businesses, including International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Director-General Francesco La Camera, and Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan.

Fatih Birol noted that geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East, are prompting many countries to reassess their energy policies, and highlighted Korea’s potential to play a greater role in global energy markets based on its strong manufacturing capabilities and technological innovation.

Gurbolz Gonul, Director of Country Support and Partnerships at IRENA, called on Korea to play a pivotal role in connecting the AI and green transitions, drawing on its strengths in semiconductors, power infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

The high-level dialogue, moderated by Chairman Choi, explored how growing electricity demand driven by electrification and AI could be turned into a driver of decarbonization. 

Discussions covered changes in energy demand, the expansion of clean energy, the convergence of climate and energy technologies, and opportunities for international cooperation. Participants also discussed the potential for new industries and markets through the integration of AI with renewable energy, batteries, hydrogen, and carbon management, as well as the role of energy infrastructure and businesses in supporting these developments.