LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Sang-Hyup Kim, Director General of Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), on the sidelines of COP-30 Conference being held in Belém, Brazil, on Thursday. The meeting marked a significant step forward in collaboration between the Punjab government and GGGI to advance climate resilience, environmental sustainability and green economic growth in the province. The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) agreed to collaborate with the Punjab government in its mission for environmental sustainability and to help Pakistan enhance its capacity in global carbon markets. The GGGI DG stated that the organisation would assist Punjab in accessing international carbon finance opportunities and developing provincial-level carbon credit programs. Kim Sang-Hyup appreciated the Punjab government’s proactive climate actions, commending Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her visionary leadership in addressing historic flood challenges, executing large-scale rescue and relief operations and advocating for climate justice on the global stage. He particularly lauded her address at the COP-30 Conference, describing it as “a strong reflection of Punjab’s firm commitment to environmental improvement and sustainable development.” Kim Sang-Hyup said, “We are eager to work with you in achieving our shared goals of green growth and sustainability. Your vision demonstrates a deep commitment to a cleaner, more resilient Punjab.” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif thanked GGGI for its support and appreciated its contributions toward global climate resilience. She said, “Your expertise and collaboration are vital for advancing our environmental vision. Together, we can make Punjab a model of sustainable, climate-smart development.” She apprised the delegation of the Punjab government’s recent initiatives aimed at environmental improvement, including the Suthra Punjab program, smog mitigation projects, e-mobility and the Plant for Pakistan campaign. The chief minister highlighted that, with GGGI’s assistance, Punjab aims to transform these initiatives into green financing projects by leveraging international mechanisms for carbon credits and sustainable funding. She underscored that key potential areas of cooperation include water and sanitation programs, clean mobility, climate adaptation and pollution control. GGGI, established during the UN Rio+20 Conference in 2012, is a leading international organization promoting green growth and climate finance, particularly in developing nations. She said the GGGI was initially established with 18 member countries, which grew to 50 by 2024, including 29 partner nations. The organisation implements Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and facilitates carbon transaction mechanisms to help countries participate in global carbon markets. DG GGGI Kim SangHyup, who previously served as Co-chairman of South Korea’s Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, reaffirmed GGGI’s commitment to supporting Punjab’s environmental agenda.