UAE signs agreement to convert Korea's Green Growth Institute into int'l organisation at Rio + 20

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - June 24, 2012 (WAM) - The United Arab Emirates has signed an agreement to convert the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) from a Korean Foundation to an international organisation, which will now include the membership of 17 countries from around the world. The event took place on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which has held in-depth discussions on the concept of green economy as one of the mechanisms to implement sustainable development. The UAE Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change and Chief Executive Officer of Masdar Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who officially represented the UAE during the signing ceremony, said: "We are pleased to be part of this new agreement that will see GGGI transition to an international, multi-stakeholder organisation that will support the global paradigm shift towards greener economies. We are confident that by building bridges of cooperation between members of the international community through GGGI, our shared vision of increasing political commitment, participation of both the private and public sector, and overall increase in awareness of sustainable development will be realised." In addition to the UAE, 16 countries have signed the agreement to support GGGI's expansion, including: South Korea; Guiana; Paraguay; Kiribati; Australia; Denmark; the United Kingdom; Vietnam; Mexico; Norway; Cambodia; Philippines; Costa Rica; Papua New Guinea; Ethiopia; and Qatar. Attending the signing ceremony were delegates from each of the participating countries. The UAE delegation included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Office of Cabinet Affairs, and Masdar officials. Dr Al Jaber added: "Sustainable development is of great importance to the UAE and our leadership. The legacy of sustainability which lies deep within the UAE's heritage was instilled in us by our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who recognised the need to preserve our natural resources for future generations. Through initiatives such as GGGI, we hope not only to continue his legacy, but also to assist and encourage other countries to implement green growth policies and move towards a green economy." GGGI is an international organisation that helps developed and developing countries pioneer a new "green growth" model that includes economic growth with climatic and environmental sustainability. With offices in Seoul, Copenhagen, and Abu Dhabi, the scope of GGGI's work spans the globe and brings together diverse groups to put green growth into everyday practice and produce significant, tangible results. The UAE is innovating and empowering others to build a sustainable future for all, building on the legacy of its founding fathers to deliver on promises today. Through advanced thinking and technology, the UAE is bringing to life action-oriented ideas and innovation that lead to a sustainable economy, environment and society. As part of a growing international movement, the country is collaborating with like-minded nations to continuously learn best practices, build upon progress, and create a sustainable future for all. – Emirates News Agency, WAM