SEOUL –April 15, 2013 –The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) announced on April 15 that Ambassador Howard Bamsey has been named as the Institute’s acting Director-General following the decision by his predecessor, Mr. Richard Samans, to return to the World Economic Forum following the conversion of GGGI into a full-fledged international organization. Ambassador Bamsey will develop and consolidate GGGI as the focal point of international green growth policy.
The Chairman of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute, Mr. Lars Løkke Rasmussen is delighted to welcome Howard Bamsey and thanks Richard Samans for his service: “We welcome Ambassador Bamsey and extend our best wishes for the future to Richard Samans. Richard has played an important part in formulating the strategies and concepts offered by GGGI and in transforming GGGI to a fully-fledged international organization. GGGI now needs to consolidate and focus on successfully implementing its various programs and activities in a streamlined fashion and we are confident that Howard Bamsey can contribute positively to this process.”
Former Director-General Richard Samans looks back at impressive achievements: “GGGI has come a very long way in the past two years from a start-up, non-governmental organization to a treaty-based intergovernmental institution, and I am honored to have had an opportunity to help lead GGGI through that transformation. With a clear strategy, diversified funding base and strong set of initial programs in place, the Institute is now positioned at the forefront of its field in the international system. Following recent progress, I have decided that the time is ripe for me to accept an exciting opportunity to return to Geneva and help lead the next stage of development of the World Economic Forum’s work on global issues and international cooperation. I wish GGGI and Ambassador Bamsey all the best and look forward to supporting the transition in any and every way that I can.”
Howard Bamsey is looking forward to assuming his new role: “GGGI’s mission is a critical one. It will demonstrate that green growth is practical and really works for governments committed to it and their people. GGGI under Rick Samans’ leadership has already made great progress and I am privileged to have the opportunity to help build on that momentum. With strong support from member governments, world-renowned experts and exceptional staff, GGGI is set to demonstrate that transforming the conventional development pathway pays off.”
Ambassador Bamsey, who until now was serving as the Special Advisor to the Australian Government on Green Growth, is well acquainted with GGGI since its initial creation through having played an active role in the Council of GGGI as Australia’s alternate delegate and as Member of the Transitional Sub-Committee, which facilitated the transition of GGGI to an international organization.
Howard Bamsey will assume his new duties as of 15 April in Seoul.
About the Global Green Growth Institute: GGGI is a new kind of international organization and is founded on the belief that economic growth and environmental sustainability are not merely compatible objectives; their integration is essential for the future of humankind. GGGI works with partners in the public and private sector in developing and emerging countries around the world to put green growth at the heart of economic planning.