Global leaders advocate for a green growth economy.

Copenhagen, October 9, 2012 – Addressing representatives of government, industry and international organizations attending the annual Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) at the Moltkes Palace in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, has in her opening remarks called on participants to act with urgency.

Calling on the world to deal with global problems such as water scarcity, climate change and pollution, Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt noted that “to ensure inclusive growth while promoting a sustainable use of resources,” would require the formation of alliances on “green growth that bridge the divide between the developed and the developing world.” She further noted that the economic potential of public-private partnership is absolutely critical for turning words into deeds.

United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, also urged participants to continue advocating for inclusive green growth which is the necessary first step needed to propel the global economic recovery. In his message Mr. Ban noted that, “The Government of Mexico has made green growth a centre piece of its development agenda. South Africa has launched its Green Economy Accord, Kazakhstan has launched its Green Bridge Partnership, and Ethiopia and Rwanda have released national green economy strategies. Let us scale up these examples and build on them. Wherever we identify success, let us advertise it so others may follow. And where we see need for support, let us offer it with an open hand so all can benefit,” as he stressed that the time for the concept of green growth is now.

Established as a Danish initiative in 2011 in collaboration with Korea and Mexico, ministers from countries such as Denmark, Korea, Qatar, China, France, Kenya, Mexico along with executives from Danish and international companies and leaders from UNIDO, the World Bank, regional banks and UNEP will offer solutions that would help ensure a smooth transition to a green economy. This is in recognition that actionable measures aimed at promoting a series of green growth measures are needed to tackle the world's current economic growth model which many believe is no longer sustainable.

Believe that transitioning to a green economy holds the solution to the world's most pressing challenges such as depletion of natural resources, climate change, global poverty, the forum will also demonstrate how better collaboration among leading businesses, investors and key public institutions can effectively realize the potential for long-term global green growth.

It is the overwhelming belief that a rapid, large scale industrial transition is indeed needed if global economic growth is to continue while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting societies to climate change and promoting a sustainable use of resources. The industrial revolution, as it is often called, to a green economy has the potential to unlock new growth engines, create new jobs and spur global economic growth which will benefit emerging and developing nations while mitigating the risks of climate change.

Underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships, the forum will provide concrete answers to what governments must do to ensure the right incentives for companies and banks to innovate and invest in green growth. Participants will also offer solutions on how to finance the conversion to green and the benefits the conversion of electricity with greater integration of renewable energy in the coal-and oil-based energy system can provide.

UNIDO is a leader in helping developing countries secure resource efficient low carbon growth and the creation of new green jobs as well as helping them move to clean technologies” said Director General Kandeh Yumkella responding to a question on what his organization is doing to help nations ride the green wave. “Green Industry and the Greening of Industries,” concepts coined by his organization in the last few years, are helping place sustainable industrial development in the context of new global sustainability challenges.

Green Industry means economies striving for a more sustainable pathway of growth, by undertaking green investments and implementing public policy initiatives that encourage environmentally responsible private investments. Greening of Industry is a method to attain sustainable economic growth and promote sustainable economies. It includes policy making, improved industrial production processes and resource-efficient productivity.