The 2021 P4G Summit aimed to be a “catalytic moment for collective action” towards net zero. Convened under the theme “Green Recovery and 2050 Carbon Neutrality,” it provided an opportunity for increasing national climate ambitions and investing in models of change that drive green growth and achieve global goals under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Summit featured a leaders’ session, and thematic sessions, and special breakout sessions on five focus areas: water, food and agriculture, energy, cities, and circular economy.

Thematic sessions included:

• Carbon-Neutral Smart Water Management for Climate Resilience, discussing the latest solutions for carbon-neutral smart water management;
• A Greener Planet with Innovative Energy Solutions, addressing low-carbon energy solutions for a greener earth;
• Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, exploring the means to further strengthen and develop partnerships while enhancing effective cooperation in the agriculture and food sectors;
• Partnerships for Smart and Resilient Green Cities, discussing the role of smart cities for green recovery, carbon-neutral society, and climate crisis responses; and
• Circular Economy Measures Towards a Zero Waste Society, sharing the latest efforts, actions, and innovations in circular economy in different countries and sectors, with a special focus on zero waste.

The second P4G Summit convened from 30-31 May 2021 in Seoul, Republic of Korea and online. Originally planned for 2020, it was postponed due to COVID-19. The Summit aimed to provide momentum to strengthen climate action to build back better and greener in the post-COVID world. The Republic of Korea’s first multilateral summit on the environment, the event culminated in the Seoul Declaration.

This event was convened by Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) and meets every two years. Launched in 2017, P4G brings together governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to accelerate the global response to climate change and implementation of the SDGs. The platform currently has 12 partner countries who are responsible for setting P4G’s policy direction.

IISD, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) Meeting Coverage, provided daily digital updates and a summary report of the 2021 P4G Seoul Summit. 

Funding for ENB coverage of this Summit has been provided by the 2021 P4G Seoul Summit.