April 8, 2024
Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
During a meeting between Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and the Chairman of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Ban Ki-moon, the former expressed his gratitude for the close partnership that exists between Sri Lanka and GGGI. Ban Ki-moon, in turn, appreciated the relationship and assured his commitment to reinforce the longstanding amicable ties between the two entities. Additionally, both parties expressed their eagerness to explore opportunities to fortify bilateral relations across various sectors.
During his discussion with the former Secretary General of the United Nations in Seoul, Prime Minister Gunawardena conveyed that the Government of Sri Lanka is currently engaged in a process of transitioning towards a greener, more inclusive, and resilient economy. This is being achieved through various interventions such as renewable energy, sustainable transport, and creating greener cities. As an island country, we are extremely vulnerable to climate impacts, and we have to take urgent actions to protect our people and ecosystems from those impacts, he said. “I am pleased that we have established a strong partnership with GGGI to support these green growth efforts by the government,” he said.
The Chairman of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Ban Ki-moon, expressed his sincere appreciation for the strong partnership that GGGI has forged with the Government of Sri Lanka, particularly with the Ministry of Environment. He commended their shared commitment towards fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly future. “As a passionate advocate for the climate agenda, I am pleased that our collaborative efforts will help build resilience and strengthen adaptation in the face of climate change, at both the national and local levels,” he added. The GGGI is currently extending support to the Government of Sri Lanka in enhancing its resilience to climate change. This support includes updating the national adaptation plan and developing the first comprehensive set of provincial adaptation plans with integrated investment plans in crucial sectors. The GGGI is facilitating Sri Lanka in accessing and mobilizing innovative climate financing, strengthening the sustainability of the tea industry, adopting sustainable public transport services, and exploring utility-scale solar energy projects. The GGGI has expressed its interest in collaborations to expedite Sri Lanka’s transition towards green growth. The Sri Lankan Government is planning to expand its green initiatives to infrastructure sectors and is also considering the feasibility of issuing green bonds.