GGGI Director General Sang-Hyup Kim Joins Rwanda for 20th Anniversary of Kwita Izina

4 September 2025 – Kigali, Rwanda – 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 his role in January. During his mission, Director-General Kim will participate in the 20th Anniversary of Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s iconic Gorilla Baby Naming Ceremony, as one of the distinguished Baby Gorilla Namers. The event will take place on 5 September 2025, at the scenic foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District. This year, 40 baby mountain gorillas will be named, including 18 born in 2024.

“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. As GGGI, we recognize that true green growth happens when conservation, community empowerment, and economic opportunity come together, and we are committed to supporting Rwanda’s efforts in these areas.” said Mr. Sang-Hyup 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 bolder climate action for people, nature, and the planet.” He added.

Launched in 2006, Kwita Izina celebrates the birth of baby mountain gorillas underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and biodiversity. Over the past 20 years, it has become one of Africa’s leading events on conservation and sustainable tourism, attracting global icons, conservationists, and thousands of attendees annually. At previous events, His Majesty the King of England, King Charles III, Sir David Attenborough, Audrey Azoulay (UNESCO’s Director-General), Zurab Pololikashvili (Secretary General of UNWTO), and Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP (UK Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and

Development Office), and various sporting and cultural celebrities have served as Baby Gorilla Namers, highlighting the event’s international significance. To date, 397 baby gorillas have been named through this celebrated ceremony.

The theme for this year, “A legacy of community centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all,” highlights the vital role of communities, rangers, and researchers in protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity.

Through its Sustainable Landscapes program, GGGI works with Member States and partners to design and implement policies, innovative financing instruments, such as debtfor-nature swaps and green bonds and mobilize green investments to protect and restore vital ecosystems and unlock the full potential of their natural capital.

During his visit, Director-General Kim will also attend the High-Level Conservation Gala in Kigali, hosted by the Government of Rwanda, which will mark the official launch of the Volcanoes National Park expansion project. GGGI is exploring ways to support this initiative, building on previous engagements with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on the Masterplan for the expansion project. The Volcanoes National Park is expected to be expanded by 3,740 hectares—an increase of 23 percent of its current size—to provide more space for the world’s endangered mountain gorilla. 

In addition, Director-General Kim will hold bilateral meetings with government officials and development partners to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new opportunities to accelerate Rwanda’s green growth and climate resilience agenda. Looking ahead, GGGI is committed to supporting sustainable development, climate action, and biodiversity conservation in Rwanda and across the African continent.