Seoul, Republic of Korea, September 15, 2023 – Advancing commitments to green urban transformation, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster the development of “green smart cities.” A “green smart city” leverages technology and sustainable practices to enhance the quality of life for its residents, reduce environmental impact, and foster economic growth, all while promoting inclusivity.
This collaborative effort underscores the aligned objectives of both organizations in promoting competitive, inclusive, and green economic growth in urban settings. “With this MoU, we embark on a promising path of shaping future-ready green urban landscapes that are both technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable. The combined strengths of GGGI and WeGO will catalyze cooperative efforts for green smart city development,” commented Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director-General of GGGI.
Key areas of cooperation include the exchange of information on green smart city solutions, the mutual sharing of institutional expertise, and collaborative research on policy frameworks and sustainable urban development approaches.
The organizations aim to foster public and private partnerships, curate knowledge-sharing activities, and roll out initiatives in harmony with global benchmarks such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. “Our alliance with GGGI reinforces WeGO’s commitment to building resilient urban landscapes for WeGO’s more than 200 member cities that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable,” stated Jung Sook Park, Secretary-General of WeGO.
The partnership originated from GGGI’s official participation in the Seoul Smart City Prize 2023, which is being hosted by WeGO and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. WeGO formally invited GGGI to serve as an evaluator and awarder for the International Organization Special Mention track, an invitation that GGGI readily accepted.
WeGO is an international association comprised of local governments, smart tech solution providers, and institutions. They are dedicated to transforming cities into smart, sustainable hubs by facilitating public-private partnerships. Serving as an international platform for its over 200 members, WeGO aims to enhance the quality of life, innovate in the delivery of public services, and strengthen regional competitiveness.