Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson has been elected to lead the Global Green Growth Institute, the intergovernmental body that helps developing countries attract billions of dollars in green investment. She will be the first woman to hold the post of President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council, succeeding former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Robinson was chosen at a meeting of the organisation's member countries in Seoul, South Korea, on Friday 30 October, and will take up the two-year position at the beginning of 2027, according to RTE.ie. The appointment was confirmed by the Seoul-based body on 2 November, Asiae reported.
What the Global Green Growth Institute does
The GGGI was established in 2012 to help developing countries grow their economies while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, protecting natural resources and improving living standards. It works with 55 members and 30 partner countries and regional organisations, running programmes in more than 57 countries.
Its core argument is simple: economic development and environmental protection do not have to compete. A low-carbon transition can create jobs, draw in investment and reduce poverty at the same time.
Much of its work involves turning countries' climate promises into policies and projects that actually exist on the ground. It supplies technical and financial expertise to governments, supporting renewable energy schemes, better public transport, forest protection and climate resilience. It also helps countries secure finance from international development banks, institutional investors and the private sector.
A record of mobilising green investment
The organisation said it helped mobilise $4 billion in green investment commitments during 2025 alone and supported the adoption of 81 green growth policies. Since 2015, the cumulative value of investment commitments mobilised through its work exceeds $18 billion.
These figures represent commitments secured with its assistance rather than money already spent or projects already finished.
Among its projects, the GGGI gave technical support for a $600 million green bond issued by the Colombian capital Bogotá last year to finance cleaner transport infrastructure. It has also backed renewable energy and climate adaptation work in vulnerable Pacific island countries, including Fiji.
Robinson's climate justice agenda
In a statement accompanying her appointment, Robinson said the organisation's objectives aligned closely with her longstanding commitment to climate justice.