Mr. Ban has formally started his term in office as GGGI’s new President and Chair. Dr Ban is fully committed to help transform economies of GGGI’s Members towards a more sustainable and inclusive development path.
The appointment of Mr. Ban Ki-moon as the new Assembly President and GGGI Council Chair became effective on February 20 following the unanimous agreement by Members of the GGGI Assembly, the Institute’s supreme governing body.
Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director-General of GGGI, praised Mr. Ban for his achievements throughout his tenure as Secretary General of the UN. “Under Mr. Ban’s leadership, governments of the world agreed on concrete goals and targets necessary for achieving a more sustainable and inclusive future. The Climate Change targets agreed under the Paris Agreement and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals are rightly recognized among the world’s greatest diplomatic successes. His vision and leadership will help GGGI deliver even greater impact in our mission supporting Member governments to achieve the ambitions set out under the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.”
While serving two consecutive terms as Secretary General of the UN between 2007 and 2016, Mr. Ban sought to be a bridge builder, to give voice to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable, and to make the organization more transparent and effective. Dr. Ban worked closely with member states of the UN to shape the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to establish UN Women, thereby advancing the UN’s work for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Dr. Ban has also taken major efforts to strengthen UN peace operations, protect human rights, improve humanitarian response, prevent violent extremism and revitalize the disarmament agenda.
“I’m delighted to have been elected as the new President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of GGGI and am willing to contribute to promoting green growth and sustainable development around the world. I will also try my best to fulfil the expectations of the international community in this regard,” said Dr. Ban.
Mr. Ban Ki-moon’s dedication to tackle global challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, food security and global health is aligned with GGGI’s objectives. With its four thematic priorities on Sustainable Energy, Water and Sanitation, Sustainable Landscapes and Green Cities, GGGI is dedicated to supporting countries in their transition to low-carbon and climate resilient development pathways – what is called “green growth”.
At the time of his appointment at the UN, Mr. Ban was Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea. His 37 years with the Ministry included postings in New Delhi, Washington D.C., and Vienna. He was responsible for a variety of portfolios, including Foreign Policy Adviser to the President, Chief National Security Adviser to the President, Vice Minister, Deputy Minister for Policy Planning and Director-General for American Affairs.
As part of the role of as President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council, Dr. Ban will chair GGGI’s 11th Council and Assembly meeting in the fourth quarter of 2018.
