SEOUL, 30 October 2026 — Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation during Global Green Growth Week (GGGW) 2026, held from 27 to 30 October 2026.

At the 15th Assembly and 19th Council Joint Session of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Ambassador Fernandez delivered the Philippine statement on behalf of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, recognizing GGGI’s approximately USD 10 million in technical and financial assistance to the Philippines since 2012.

GGGI Executive Director Sang-Hyup (Conan) Kim acknowledged the Philippines’ modest but meaningful contribution to GGGI core funding for two consecutive years, expressing appreciation for the country’s continued support for the Institute.

The Joint Session marked the final meeting presided over by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as GGGI President and Chair. Member States elected former Irish President Mary Robinson as his successor for 2027–2028.

In a separate session on “Green Shipping Corridors and the Emerging Green Maritime Economy,” Ambassador Fernandez delivered a keynote presentation highlighting Philippine initiatives in sustainable port development, marine environmental protection, maritime infrastructure modernization, and blue financing. She emphasized that greener shipping must strengthen economic competitiveness, connectivity, and livelihoods, supported by accessible financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building.

Earlier, on 28 October 2026, Ambassador Fernandez received representatives of GGGI Philippines, including GGGI Country Representative Marcel J. Silvius, at the Philippine Embassy for a courtesy call. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation with Korean partners in green shipping corridors, port decarbonization, climate-resilient agriculture, and climate technology innovation, including opportunities under the Korea Green New Deal Trust Fund and the Climate Technopreneurship Programme.

The engagements reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working with GGGI to translate green growth initiatives into practical investments, stronger institutional capacities, and sustainable economic opportunities for Filipino communities. END