SEOUL – March 27, 2018 – Mr. Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) held his first press conference as the President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) today in Seoul, speaking on the importance of supporting countries to meet their goals under the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Addressing the need for world leaders to renew political commitment to tackling climate change, Mr. Ban said that, “Organizations like the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) can put the world on a more sustainable path by helping countries in their transition to greener economies and contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Mr. Ban delivered his welcome remarks to Korean and international journalists, highlighting his willing to contribute to promoting green growth and sustainable development around the world.
“To implement the Paris Agreement, countries must shift their economies towards environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive pathways – which we call green growth.” GGGI plays a pivotal role in supporting governments in the transition to inclusive green economies.
Mr. Ban added that “GGGI is well-positioned to support NDC implementation, help governments meet their Paris Agreement commitments and achieve the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director-General of GGGI delivered his remarks, summarizing GGGI’s key achievements in 2017.
He said that “2017 was an excellent year for GGGI, in which we helped mobilize USD 524 million in green and climate finance to support developing countries achieve their green growth plans”.
“With Mr. Ban’s leadership, I am confident that GGGI will be able to quickly expand its partnerships and memberships and mobilize greater results – championing green growth and climate resilience,” added Dr. Rijsberman.
Mr. Ban concluded the press conference by saying that he hopes to have the opportunity to engage and work with Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland and France that are not yet Members of GGGI.
“I look forward to promoting GGGI’s effort in supporting countries to access the Green Climate Fund (GCF).”
The appointment of Mr. Ban Ki-moon as the new Assembly President and GGGI Council Chair became effective on February 20 following the unanimous agreement by Members of the GGGI Assembly, the Institute’s supreme governing body.
As part of the role of as President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council, Mr. Ban will chair GGGI’s 11th Council and Assembly meeting in the fourth quarter of 2018.