Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim, Director General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), is visiting Rwanda on his first official trip to Africa since taking office in January. The visit will take place from September 4 to September 7, 2025.
Mr. Kim will attend as one distinguished namer at the 20th Anniversary of Kwita Izina, Rwanda's famous Gorilla Baby Naming Ceremony, which will be held on September 5, 2025, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, where 40 baby gorillas will be given names, including 18 born in the year 2024.
Said Mr. Kim, "Kwita Izina is beyond celebration: It is a living symbol of Rwanda's commitment to community-led conservation, sustainable landscapes, and ecotourism." "As GGGI, we believe that real green growth happens when conservation, community empowerment, and economic opportunity come together. It is truly an honor to be part of this milestone and witness amazing efforts for the protection of mountain gorillas and their habitat."
Kwita Izina was initiated in 2006 and has emerged as one of Africa's top conservation and sustainable tourism events. It has over the years successfully attracted world leaders, conservationists, and global icons, among whom are His Majesty King Charles III, Sir David Attenborough, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, and sporting legends. So far, 397 baby gorillas have been named.
This year's theme, "A legacy of community-centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all," points to communities, rangers, and researchers in the fight against biodiversity loss.
During the mission, he will also attend the High-Level Conservation Gala in Kigali, during which the Government of Rwanda will launch the Volcanoes National Park expansion project aimed at adding an extra 3,740 hectares (a 23% increase) to provide further habitat for these critically endangered gorillas. GGGI is looking into providing support for this initiative while further developing their partnership for a broader green growth and climate resilience agenda in Rwanda.
Written By : Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE