Twenty-four Countries Agree on Common Green Growth Strategy

SONGDO, South Korea, Nov. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Indonesian President and current President and Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute, Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, brought to agreement a shared strategy for GGGI's approach to green growth in developing countries for 2015-2020.

Prior to adopting the new GGGI strategy, Dr. Yudhoyono was officially elected by the GGGI Assembly and Council to serve as both President and Chair of the organization at meetings in Songdo, Republic of Korea. He was introduced by Foreign Minister of the Republic Korea, Yun Byung-se.

"During his successful terms as President, Indonesia further transformed itself into a politically democratic, economically vibrant and socially stable country. Under his leadership, Indonesia has also responded wisely to many challenges and risks posed by climate change. With all these remarkable achievements, he is now at the helm of the GGGI. I have every confidence that, under his able leadership, the GGGI will make great progress in further securing its global standing and making development impacts on the ground," Minister Yun said.

Upon his election, Dr. Yudhoyono immediately presided over the Council, where the Members unanimously approved GGGI's new five-year strategic plan, which begins to shift GGGI's focus to least developed countries (LDCs), to working increasingly in Member countries, and to developing bankable projects on the ground.

"The strategic plan adopted today will lead us to focus much more strongly on Member countries and the least developed countries as well as renewed focus on collaboration with international institutions. The plan is the result of a very rigorous consultation exercise that has taken place over the past 6 months with all of our Members," said Yvo de Boer, GGGI's Director-General.

"It's based on an honest assessment of where we are at the moment and at the same time look forward to where we can have the maximum impact over the next five years. We have incorporated the suggestions of Members for the organization to place more focus on Member countries and to create a leaner, more efficient organizational structure," the Director-General said.

The strategy also reorganizes GGGI's priorities to focus primarily on issues related to green city development, energy, land-use, and water.

On the new direction of the organization, President Yudhoyono said, "I believe GGGI's best days are still ahead.  We have a bright future.  Thanks to the leadership of the Secretariat, the continued commitment of members and the future engagement of new members and partners, I believe GGGI will fulfill its potential as an international institution recognized for its leadership, vision, creativity and ability to deliver for its members."

In another major development for GGGI, it was announced today that the United Kingdom will fund GGGI in the order of GBP14.8 million or roughly $23 million over the next three years.

The UK has been a GGGI partner country since 2011 and a founding member since GGGI became an international organization in October 2012. 

Additionally, the Republic of Indonesia announced they will contribute $15 million over the course of three years.

"It was a very happy day for us," commented Mr. de Boer.

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 www.gggi.org and visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

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SOURCE Global Green Growth Institute