The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)’s Director-General, Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim, met with H.E. President Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, on 6 September 2025. This high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of the Gala Dinner hosted by the President in honor of distinguished Gorilla Namers from around the world who joined the 20th anniversary of Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s world-renowned Gorilla Naming Ceremony.
During their discussions, Director-General Kim applauded the President for his visionary leadership and for the strong partnership between GGGI and the Government of Rwanda.
He also reaffirmed GGGI’s strong commitment to deepening this partnership to achieve Rwanda’s ambition to build a climate-resilient, low-carbon, and high-income economy by 2050.
“President Kagame’s bold vision and leadership show what’s possible when ambition meets action. In our discussions, I reaffirmed GGGI’s strong commitment to deepen cooperation in key areas, including carbon markets, sustainable Artificial Intelligence, greening the new Kigali International Airport, New Hydrogen for Green Growth, and mobilizing green investments for flagship green growth projects, in line with Rwanda’s vision to become a green investment hub.” Said Director-General Kim.
GGGI has been a trusted partner of Rwanda since 2012 and signed a Host Country Agreement in 2016. Since 2018, GGGI has mobilized USD 61 million in green investment and supported the development of 11 national policies related to promoting sustainable buildings, waste management, and the circular economy.
Currently, GGGI is working closely with the Government of Rwanda and partners on flagship initiatives including strengthening Rwanda’s institutional readiness for carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enhancing gender equality and social inclusion in Rwanda’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), piloting innovative financing instruments for clean cooking and sustainable forestry, developing climate-resilient district master plans, and empowering rural women for climate resilience.
Mr. Kim is in Rwanda as one of the distinguished Baby Gorilla Namers at the 20th anniversary of Kwita Izina. He named a baby gorilla “Impuguke,” born on 21 July 2024, to mother Ahazaza. The Rwandan name means “Expert”, symbolizing the vital role of diversified expertise in conservation, sustainability, and protecting ecosystems for future generations.
A total of 40 baby gorillas were named this year, underscoring Rwanda’s strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and community empowerment values that are closely aligned with GGGI’s global mission.