Press Release

United Nations partners with GGGI

BONN, GermanyUNFCCC MoU-cropped – June 8, 2015 – The UN and a leading international development institute have agreed to cooperate to boost green growth and resilience to climate change ahead of the pivotal UN climate change conference in December, in Paris.

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 8 June signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany.

The two organizations will work together on activities aimed at addressing green growth issues in developing countries, by fostering climate resilient and low-emission development that will achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration in the atmosphere.

“Tackling climate change is now understood as a prerequisite for inclusive, sustainable growth, yet countries continue to struggle with the challenge of aligning growth objectives with actions that address climate change,” said Yvo de Boer, Director-General of GGGI. “Collaboration between our two organizations will generate a better understanding of how to translate the climate change agenda into implementable green growth actions.”

“Transitioning toward climate resilient green growth that benefits everyone will be achieved through strong inclusive partnerships,” said Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC. “Today is another step in the right direction that also helps build positive momentum in the lead-up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in December.”

GGGI’s work to support strong, inclusive sustainable economic growth in developing and emerging countries prioritizes building climate resilience.

In Ethiopia, GGGI has been an important partner in the implementation of the Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy, which is a key element of the national Growth and Transformation Plan that aims to elevate the country to middle-income status by 2025.

The Philippines’ Ecotown project, developed in partnership by the country’s Climate Change Commission and GGGI, has helped to build climate reliance in high risk municipalities, and is now being scaled-up for implementation at the provincial level.

GGGI’s work in Colombia to support critical forest resources preservation and subsequently reduce GHG emissions has helped to develop and launch an REDD+ payment-for-performance program engaging international donors.

The GGGI-UNFCCC MoU will help to replicate similar results by providing a framework for cooperation on joint activities in areas of mutual interest, such as adaptation, mitigation, climate finance, technology and capacity building activities aimed at sharing both organization’s vast knowledge and experience.

Read more here.

About GGGI
Based in Seoul, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization founded to support and promote a new model of economic growth known as “green growth.” The organization partners with countries to help them build economies that grow strongly and are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change. GGGI’s experts are already working with governments around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions.

To learn more, see https://gggi.org and visit us on Facebook and Twitter.