Press Release

Frank Rijsberman takes up post as Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute

cropped-2New GGGI Director-General looks to achieve transformative green growth, rapidly and at scale

SEOUL – October 04, 2016 – The Global Green Growth Institute organized a press conference today to introduce Dr. Frank Rijsberman as the new Director-General of the Seoul-based international organization. Dr. Rijsberman took up his 4-year term as Director-General on October 01, with a mandate to lead GGGI in its mission supporting developing country partner governments in their transition to environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive models of economic growth.

Dr. Rijsberman joins GGGI after serving as the Chief Executive Office of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Consortium, as well as executive positions with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google.

“It is exciting to come on board GGGI at this time as the organization works to drive the post-Paris Agreement agenda forward towards implementation that achieves climate action impact,” said Dr. Rijsberman. “I look forward to working with GGGI’s members and stakeholders, as well as new partners, to further strengthen GGGI’s contribution to green growth and the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

During the hour-long press conference Dr. Rijsberman outlined his ambitions for GGGI that aim to help the organization achieve transformative green growth, rapidly and at scale. Key to this outcome is a foundation of evidence and compelling success stories that green growth can deliver environmental sustainability and strong economic growth.

“GGGI works with members and stakeholders that believe in and are committed to the benefits that green growth can produce,” noted Dr. Rijsberman. “A critical next step is to demonstrate to those still practicing a business-as-usual development model that economic growth, inclusiveness, poverty reduction, job creation and a sustainable environment are not only compatible, but necessary.”

Dr. Rijsberman also noted the need to sharpen GGGI’s focus and expertise, identify emerging areas of opportunity that align with GGGI’s core service offerings, and strengthen the linkage between GGGI’s outputs and the outcomes set forth by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We are confident that under Dr. Rijsberman’s leadership, GGGI will accelerate its Members’ transition to a new model of growth, aligned with their Nationally-Determined Contributions to the Paris Climate Agreement and the internationally-agreed Sustainable Development Goals.” said H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of GGGI.

Dr. Rijsberman takes over from Yvo de Boer, who served as GGGI Director-General from April 15, 2014 to September 30, 2016.

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Click image to watch press conference highlights

 

About the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

Based in Seoul, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization founded to support and promote green growth. The organization partners with countries to help them build economies that grow strongly, are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change. GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. To learn more about GGGI, see https://gggi.org and visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact:

Mr. Darren Karjama (English language)

T: +82 70 7117 9966

M: +82 10 9530 9995

E: darren.karjama@gggi.org

 

Ms. Hee Kyung Son (Korean language)

T: +82 70 7117 9957

M: +82 10 9530 9957

E: h.son@gggi.org