Republic of Korea
Thank you, Mr. Chair!
As the world economy expands, circulation of chemicals and generation of wastes are increasing
every year, and as awareness of environmental conservation and health is growing across the world,
the importance of sustainable chemicals and waste management is being more highlighted.
Accordingly, the Korean government is working hard to reduce toxic chemicals and hazardous
wastes to protect public health and environment, by introducing a green chemistry policy in early
2009.
Furthermore, Korea has been actively engaged in international dialogues for sustainable chemicals
and waste management such as GHS, SAICM, Basel Convention, etc. and is carrying out domestic
implementation measures.
In particular, the Korean government has enacted POPs law in 2007 and plans to eliminate PCBs
even earlier than 2025. Also, we plan to increase energy self-sufficiency from 32% in 2009 to 50%
by 2020 by converting waste resources and biomass to renewable energy and to create related green
jobs.
Mr. Chair,
Globally, sustainable management and reduction of chemicals and wastes are discussed in many
international fora, such as Stockholm Convention, Basel Convention, Rotterdam Convention,
SAICM, and so forth. In order for these international instruments to achieve a concrete and
substantial outcome, it is highly necessary that more countries join and participate in these processes.
As you have heard, for the effective implementation of the various conventions regarding chemicals
and wastes management, Korea has enacted its national legislation and adopted a national
implementation strategy. In particular, through green chemistry policy and resource recycling society,
Korea is making every effort to improve our chemicals and wastes management.
We wish to provide more opportunities to share our experiences and knowledge with all the Parties
and especially with the developing countries. In this way, the Korean government will be able to
contribute to the international community?s efforts for sustainable management of chemicals and
waste.
Thank you.
As the world economy expands, circulation of chemicals and generation of wastes are increasing
every year, and as awareness of environmental conservation and health is growing across the world,
the importance of sustainable chemicals and waste management is being more highlighted.
Accordingly, the Korean government is working hard to reduce toxic chemicals and hazardous
wastes to protect public health and environment, by introducing a green chemistry policy in early
2009.
Furthermore, Korea has been actively engaged in international dialogues for sustainable chemicals
and waste management such as GHS, SAICM, Basel Convention, etc. and is carrying out domestic
implementation measures.
In particular, the Korean government has enacted POPs law in 2007 and plans to eliminate PCBs
even earlier than 2025. Also, we plan to increase energy self-sufficiency from 32% in 2009 to 50%
by 2020 by converting waste resources and biomass to renewable energy and to create related green
jobs.
Mr. Chair,
Globally, sustainable management and reduction of chemicals and wastes are discussed in many
international fora, such as Stockholm Convention, Basel Convention, Rotterdam Convention,
SAICM, and so forth. In order for these international instruments to achieve a concrete and
substantial outcome, it is highly necessary that more countries join and participate in these processes.
As you have heard, for the effective implementation of the various conventions regarding chemicals
and wastes management, Korea has enacted its national legislation and adopted a national
implementation strategy. In particular, through green chemistry policy and resource recycling society,
Korea is making every effort to improve our chemicals and wastes management.
We wish to provide more opportunities to share our experiences and knowledge with all the Parties
and especially with the developing countries. In this way, the Korean government will be able to
contribute to the international community?s efforts for sustainable management of chemicals and
waste.
Thank you.
Stakeholders