Seoul, September 10, 2025 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) announces Director-General Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim’s official mission to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with strategic visits to the State of Qatar (September 11-15) and the United Arab Emirates (September 16-17). This visit underscores GGGI’s deepening commitment to advancing green growth and climate resilience across the MENA region through enhanced partnerships with two of its founding members.

During the week-long mission, Director-General Kim will engage in high-level meetings with ministers, leaders from development finance institutions, private sector representatives, and international organizations to discuss enhanced cooperation opportunities with GGGI in supporting the region’s transition toward sustainable, climate-resilient economies.

“The MENA region stands at the forefront of demonstrating how resource-rich nations can lead the global transition to sustainable development,” said Director-General Sang-Hyup Kim. “In Qatar, our continued cooperation will place particular emphasis on advancing the National Adaptation Plan, ensuring that adaptation priorities move from planning to implementation and knowledge shared with the rest of the MENA region and beyond.”

“By strengthening resilience to climate impacts while pursuing economic diversification, Qatar and the UAE—both founding members of GGGI—are showing exceptional leadership. This visit will deepen these partnerships and pave the way for transformative initiatives that position the region as a global hub for green innovation and sustainable finance.” Director-General Sang-Hyup Kim added.

Advancing Qatar’s Climate Leadership

During his visit, GGGI Director-General Sang-Hyup Kim will meet with Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change (GGGI’s Host Ministry), alongside senior leaders from Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Energy, Qatar Development Bank, and Education Above All Foundation. These engagements will aim to accelerate the implementation of the NAP and reinforce Qatar’s climate governance and resilience.

GGGI and Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) will renew their partnership through a 2025–2027 Memorandum of Understanding, with a strong focus on advancing Qatar’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP). This collaboration will guide the NAP as it transitions from planning to full implementation under Phase 3 (2026–2028), ensuring that adaptation priorities translate into tangible, on-the-ground action.

The continued partnership will also support the enhancement of Qatar’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and the development of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. Joint efforts will prioritize three areas: strengthening inter-ministerial coordination, building robust monitoring and reporting frameworks, and mobilizing international climate finance for adaptation projects.

Strengthening UAE’s Position as a Regional Green Growth Hub

In the UAE, Director-General Kim’s agenda highlights the government’s long-standing support for GGGI, including hosting the Regional Office for the MENA Region. The visit will introduce GGGI’s Hydrogen for Green Growth (H2G) Initiative and explore AI-powered climate solutions while expanding partnerships with strategic actors. The H2G Initiative seeks to mobilize over USD 10 billion across 18 core countries to accelerate clean hydrogen adoption and drive a just, sustainable energy transition.

The mission also supports the UAE’s ambitions to position itself as a regional hub for green finance and sustainable technology innovation. Director-General Kim will meet with H.E. Dr. Amna Al Dhahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, alongside senior leaders and heads of institutions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, World Green Economy Organization, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai International Financial Center; and International Renewable Energy Agency, to reinforce partnerships.

A strategic cooperation agreement will be signed with Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, further strengthening the UAE’s role in advancing renewable energy initiatives and regional green growth leadership.

Building on Strong Foundations

Looking ahead, the strengthened partnership between GGGI and both countries across the MENA region will build on existing achievements to deliver measurable impact aligned with their ambitious climate targets. This collaboration will continue GGGI’s ongoing work in developing green growth frameworks, advancing climate adaptation plans, and establishing sustainable finance mechanisms, while unlocking new areas of cooperation to support the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

“This mission represents more than diplomatic engagement—it’s about reinforcing the message of responding to the demands of our Member States through co-creating solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities of the MENA region,” added Dr. Mahamadou Tounkara, GGGI Regional Director for MENA. “Through our enhanced cooperation with Qatar and the UAE, we’re developing replicable best practice models for green growth that can inspire action across the entire region and beyond.”

The visit culminates with invitations to both nations to participate in Global Green Growth Week 2025 (GGGW2025) in Seoul this October, alongside the GGGI Assembly and Council meetings. This conference, hosted alongside the APEC 2025, will provide platforms for the region to showcase its commitment to sustainable development and shape GGGI’s global strategic direction.

About GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. Since its establishment in 2012, GGGI has been working with governments to design and deliver programs and services that demonstrate new pathways to pro-poor economic growth.