At the Olympic Village in Seoul

21 years ago their Olympic Games helped consolidate democracy here, boosted the Korean medal tally dramatically, raised the country's profile around the world and increased GDP. It also - as I witnessed today - left a lasting legacy of impressive and rather beautiful infrastructure.

I shamelessly took notes as the custodians of this wonderful site explained how all the athletes' apartments had been pre-sold before the games. I marvelled at the aquatics centre which had hundred of youngsters training hard in it - and does so from 6am till late practically every day. Sports participation here took a big leap two decades ago and has never looked back
Their Olympics museum is designed to draw in the crowds and preserve the fond memories of those games and others. The gymnasium - as I entered - was being prepared for yet another concert.

Seoul - my friends - is a shining example of what every Olympic Games could be and what London 2012 has to be. I came here primarily for a climate conference, but seeing the Olympic park has been a huge bonus - a reminder of the challenge and the opportunity we now have in London.