20 February 2018: Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Republic of Korea, has been elected Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Assembly President and Council Chair. Ban began his two-year term on 20 February 2018. He succeeds Gemedo Dalle, Ethiopia, who served as Acting Assembly President and Council Chair since July 2017.

During his two consecutive terms as UN Secretary-General between 2007 and 2016, Ban oversaw negotiations of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the SDGs. GGGI Director-General Frank Rijsberman cited the Paris Agreement and the SDGs as among the world’s “greatest diplomatic successes,” noting that Ban’s “vision and leadership” will help GGGI deliver even greater impact in its mission. Ban is former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Republic of Korea, and served 37 years in the Ministry prior to his appointment at the UN.

GGGI Director-General Frank Rijsberman cited the Paris Agreement and the SDGs as among the world’s “greatest diplomatic successes,” noting that Ban’s “vision and leadership” will help GGGI deliver even greater impact in its mission.

GGGI, an intergovernmental organization based in Seoul, Republic of Korea, was established in 2012, and has 27 member States. It supports and promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies by facilitating their transition towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways through the provision of technical assistance and helping to mobilize finance. More specifically, it supports member States in their efforts to achieve commitments under the Paris Agreement and the SDGs, and focuses on four thematic priorities: sustainable energy, water and sanitation, sustainable landscapes and green cities. [GGGI Press Release] [Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens Press Release] [Climate Change News Story]