Former Irish President and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson has been announced as the new President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
GGGI‘s member states announced the election of Robinson at a joint session of its assembly and council on 30 October. Robinson will serve a two-year term in the role, succeeding former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
According to the GGGI, the appointment comes at an ‘important moment’ for the institute, as it seeks to advance its Strategy 2030 initiative, supporting countries in pursuing low-carbon, climate-resilient and inclusive economic growth.
‘International cooperation’
“I am honoured to take on the role of President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of GGGI at a time when international cooperation and ambitious climate action are more important than ever,” Robinson commented.
“The transition to a greener future must also be a just and inclusive one, creating opportunities for all and ensuring that the communities most vulnerable to climate change are not left behind. I look forward to working with GGGI’s Member States, partners, and dedicated team to advance green growth as a pathway to climate resilience, shared prosperity, and a more equitable future.”
Robinson, who has extensive experience in international affairs, human rights and climate action, is a member of The Elders and Planetary Guardians, and also co-founded Project Dandelion, a women-led global climate campaign.
As part of her role at the GGGI, she will lead the institute’s governing bodies, oversee strategic dialogue among member states, and seek to strengthen its global visibility and engagement with international partners and stakeholders.
Read more: Mary Robinson urges leaders to ‘keep going’ on inclusion despite global pushback
‘Experience and vision’
“Mary Robinson has spent her career championing human rights and climate justice, and I am delighted that she will bring this experience and vision to GGGI,” commented outgoing GGGI president and chair Ban Ki-moon.
“I am confident that, under her leadership, GGGI will continue to strengthen international cooperation and demonstrate that economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion must all go hand in hand.”
Elsewhere, GGGI executive director Sang-Hyup Kim added that Robinson’s experience will be “invaluable as GGGI continues to advance green growth and support countries in building a more inclusive and sustainable future”. Read more here.
