President Kagame, GGGI Director-General Kim Pledge Stronger Climate Partnership

By The Inspirer.

Kigali, Rwanda – September 7, 2025 — President Paul Kagame has met with the Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Sang-Hyup Kim, where the two reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to advancing climate resilience and sustainable development.

The high-level meeting was held on September 6 on the sidelines of a Gala Dinner hosted by President Kagame in honor of international guests who took part in the 20th anniversary of Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s world-famous Gorilla Naming Ceremony.

During the talks, Mr. Kim praised President Kagame’s “bold vision and leadership” in steering Rwanda toward a climate-resilient, low-carbon, and high-income economy by 2050. He pledged GGGI’s continued support in deepening cooperation across strategic sectors.

“President Kagame’s bold vision and leadership show what’s possible when ambition meets action,” Kim said. “We are committed to strengthening collaboration in areas such as carbon markets, sustainable Artificial Intelligence, greening the new Kigali International Airport, New Hydrogen for Green Growth, and mobilizing green investments for flagship projects.”

GGGI has been working with Rwanda since 2012, formalizing the partnership with a Host Country Agreement in 2016. Since then, the institute has mobilized $61 million in green investment and supported the development of 11 national policies promoting sustainable buildings, waste management, and the circular economy.

Currently, GGGI is supporting several flagship initiatives in Rwanda, including carbon market readiness under the Paris Agreement, piloting innovative financing for clean cooking and forestry, advancing gender equality in climate action, and developing climate-resilient district master plans.

Kim, who is in Rwanda as one of the distinguished namers at Kwita Izina, named a baby gorilla “Impuguke,” meaning Expert. The name, he said, symbolizes the role of knowledge and expertise in conservation and sustainability.

This year’s ceremony saw 40 baby gorillas named, reinforcing Rwanda’s global reputation for biodiversity conservation and community empowerment—values closely aligned with GGGI’s mission.