Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Sang-Hyup Kim, Director General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), at the COP30 conference in Belem, Brazil, to formalise a partnership aimed at advancing climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and green economic growth in the province.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, the agreement will assist Punjab in accessing global carbon markets, developing provincial-level carbon credit programmes, and leveraging international carbon finance opportunities.

Kim Sang-Hyup praised Punjab’s proactive climate initiatives, highlighting the chief minister’s leadership in tackling historic floods, executing large-scale rescue operations, and advocating for climate justice on the global stage.

He described her COP30 address as “a strong reflection of Punjab’s firm commitment to environmental improvement and sustainable development.”

“We are eager to work with you to achieve shared goals of green growth and sustainability. Your vision demonstrates a deep commitment to a cleaner, more resilient Punjab,” Kim said. CM Maryam noted GGGI’s expertise is vital for advancing Punjab’s environmental vision.

She emphasised that the province aims to make Punjab a model for sustainable, climate-smart development.

The chief minister briefed the delegation on key initiatives, including ‘Suthra Punjab’, smog mitigation projects, e-mobility programmes, and the Plant for Pakistan campaign.

She highlighted that with GGGI’s assistance, these projects could be transformed into green financing initiatives, tapping into international mechanisms for carbon credits and sustainable funding.

Potential areas of collaboration include water and sanitation programs, clean mobility, climate adaptation, and pollution control.

Established during the UN Rio+20 Conference in 2012, GGGI is a leading international organisation promoting green growth and climate finance in developing countries. It has grown from 18 founding members to 50, including 29 partner nations by 2024, and implements Paris Agreement Article 6 provisions to facilitate carbon transactions.

Kim, 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.

The meeting was attended by senior provincial officials, including Mariam Aurangzeb, Rana Sikandar Hayat, Zeeshan Rafiq, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Chairman P&D Naeem Rauf, and DG EPA Imran Hamid.