Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Sang-Hyup Kim, Director General of Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) at COP-30 Conference being held in Belem, Brazil. The meeting marked a significant step toward in collaboration between Punjab government and GGGI to advance climate resilience, environmental sustainability and green economic growth in the province.
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) agreed to collaborate with Punjab government in its mission for environmental sustainability and to help Pakistan enhance its capacity in global carbon markets. DG GGGI revealed that the organization will assist Punjab in accessing international carbon finance opportunities and developing provincial-level carbon credit programs. Kim Sang-Hyup appreciated Punjab government’s proactive climate actions, commending Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her visionary leadership in addressing historic flood challenges, executing large-scale rescue and relief operations and advocating for climate justice at the global stage. He particularly lauded her address at COP-30 Conference, describing it as “a strong reflection of Punjab’s firm commitment to environmental improvement and sustainable development.”
Kim Sang-Hyup said, “We are eager to work with you in achieving shared goals of green growth and sustainability, your vision demonstrates a deep commitment to a cleaner, more resilient Punjab.” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif thanked GGGI for its support and appreciated its contributions for global climate resilience. She noted,”Your expertise and collaboration are vital for advancing our environmental vision.” She added,”Together, we can make Punjab a model of sustainable, climate-smart development.” She apprised the delegation of Punjab government’s recent initiatives aimed at environmental improvement, including ‘Suthra’ Punjab, smog mitigation projects, e-mobility and Plant for Pakistan campaign.
Chief Minister Punjab highlighted that with GGGI’s assistance, Punjab aims to transform these initiatives into green financing projects, leveraging international mechanisms for carbon credits and sustainable funding. She underscored that key potential areas of cooperation include water and sanitation programs, clean mobility, climate adaptation and pollution control. She highlighted that GGGI, established during UN Rio+20 Conference in 2012, is a leading international organization promoting green growth and climate finance, particularly in developing nations. She maintained that GGGI had been initially established comprising 18 regular members and its members reached 50 by 2024 including 29 partner nations. The organization implements Paris Agreement’s Article 6 provisions and facilitates carbon transaction mechanisms to help countries participate in global carbon markets.
DG GGGI Kim Sang-Hyup, who previously served as Co-Chairman of South Korea’s Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, reaffirmed GGGI’s commitment to supporting Punjab’s environmental agenda. The meeting was attended by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Ministers Rana Sikandar Hayat, Zeeshan Rafiq, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Chairman P&D Naeem Rauf and DG EPA Imran Hamid.