The UAE has signed an agreement for the transition of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) from a Korean foundation into an international organization, which will now include the membership of 17 countries from across the globe.

GGGI is a global organization that helps developed and developing countries pioneer a new 'green growth' model that includes economic growth with climatic and environmental sustainability.

With offices in Seoul, Copenhagen, and Abu Dhabi, the scope of GGGI’s work spans the globe and brings together diverse groups to put green growth into everyday practice and produce significant, tangible results.

The event took place on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE special envoy for Energy and Climate Change and CEO of Masdar, officially represented the UAE during the signing ceremony.

'We are pleased to be part of this new agreement that will see GGGI transition to an international, multi-stakeholder organization that will support the global paradigm shift towards greener economies,' he stated.

'We are confident that by building bridges of cooperation between members of the international community through GGGI, our shared vision of increasing political commitment, participation of both the private and public sector, and overall increase in awareness of sustainable development will be realized,' he added.

In addition to the UAE, 16 countries have signed the agreement to support GGGI’s expansion. These are South Korea; Guiana; Paraguay; Kiribati; Australia; Denmark; the United Kingdom; Vietnam; Mexico; Norway; Cambodia; Philippines; Costa Rica; Papua New Guinea; Ethiopia; and Qatar.

Dr Al Jaber said sustainable development was of great importance to the UAE and its leadership.

'The legacy of sustainability which lies deep within the UAE’s heritage was instilled in us by our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who recognized the need to preserve our natural resources for future generations,' he noted.

'Through initiatives such as GGGI, we hope not only to continue his legacy, but also to assist and encourage other countries to implement green growth policies and move towards a green economy,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service