The Director General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim, will visit Rwanda from 4–7 September 2025, marking his first official mission to Africa since assuming office in January. His visit underscores GGGI’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in Africa for sustainable growth, biodiversity protection, and climate action.
During his stay, Mr. Kim will participate in the 20th Anniversary of Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s world-renowned Gorilla Baby Naming Ceremony, as one of the distinguished namers. The event, taking place on 5 September at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze, will celebrate the naming of 40 baby mountain gorillas, including 18 born in 2024. Since its inception in 2006, Kwita Izina has become a flagship event for conservation and sustainable tourism, attracting global leaders, conservationists, and thousands of participants annually. To date, 397 gorillas have been named.
“Kwita Izina is more than a celebration it is a living symbol of Rwanda’s dedication to community-led conservation, sustainable landscapes, and ecotourism – all vital pillars of green growth,” said Mr. Kim. “I am deeply honored to join this milestone event and witness firsthand the incredible work being done to protect mountain gorillas and their habitat. Events like this are essential not only for wildlife protection but also for inspiring bold climate action for people, nature, and the planet.”
This year’s theme, “A legacy of community-centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all,” highlights the role of communities, rangers, and researchers in safeguarding Rwanda’s biodiversity. Over the years, notable figures such as King Charles III, Sir David Attenborough, and UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay have joined the ceremony, cementing its international prestige.
Beyond Kwita Izina, Director-General Kim will attend the High-Level Conservation Gala in Kigali, which will launch the Volcanoes National Park expansion project. The expansion, set to increase the park by 3,740 hectares (23 percent of its current size), will provide additional habitat for endangered mountain gorillas. GGGI is exploring avenues to support this initiative, building on its collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board on the project’s masterplan.
Mr. Kim will also hold bilateral meetings with senior officials and partners to strengthen cooperation and explore innovative financing tools, such as green bonds and debt-for-nature swaps, to accelerate Rwanda’s green growth agenda.
GGGI remains committed to advancing sustainable development, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation in Rwanda and across Africa.
The Director General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim, will visit Rwanda from 4–7 September 2025, marking his first official mission to Africa since assuming office in January. His visit underscores GGGI’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in Africa for sustainable growth, biodiversity protection, and climate action.
During his stay, Mr. Kim will participate in the 20th Anniversary of Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s world-renowned Gorilla Baby Naming Ceremony, as one of the distinguished namers. The event, taking place on 5 September at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze, will celebrate the naming of 40 baby mountain gorillas, including 18 born in 2024. Since its inception in 2006, Kwita Izina has become a flagship event for conservation and sustainable tourism, attracting global leaders, conservationists, and thousands of participants annually. To date, 397 gorillas have been named.
“Kwita Izina is more than a celebration it is a living symbol of Rwanda’s dedication to community-led conservation, sustainable landscapes, and ecotourism – all vital pillars of green growth,” said Mr. Kim. “I am deeply honored to join this milestone event and witness firsthand the incredible work being done to protect mountain gorillas and their habitat. Events like this are essential not only for wildlife protection but also for inspiring bold climate action for people, nature, and the planet.”
This year’s theme, “A legacy of community-centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all,” highlights the role of communities, rangers, and researchers in safeguarding Rwanda’s biodiversity. Over the years, notable figures such as King Charles III, Sir David Attenborough, and UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay have joined the ceremony, cementing its international prestige.
Beyond Kwita Izina, Director-General Kim will attend the High-Level Conservation Gala in Kigali, which will launch the Volcanoes National Park expansion project. The expansion, set to increase the park by 3,740 hectares (23 percent of its current size), will provide additional habitat for endangered mountain gorillas. GGGI is exploring avenues to support this initiative, building on its collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board on the project’s masterplan.
Mr. Kim will also hold bilateral meetings with senior officials and partners to strengthen cooperation and explore innovative financing tools, such as green bonds and debt-for-nature swaps, to accelerate Rwanda’s green growth agenda.
GGGI remains committed to advancing sustainable development, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation in Rwanda and across Africa.
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