His participation in the naming ceremony is part of his official visit to Rwanda from September 4â€"7, 2025, marking his first mission to Africa since assuming the role of Director General in January.
This year's edition will celebrate the naming of 40 baby mountain gorillas, including 18 born in 2024, underscoring Rwanda's continued commitment to conservation and community-based tourism.
'Kwita Izina is more than a celebrationâ€"it is a living symbol of Rwanda's dedication to community-led conservation, sustainable landscapes, and ecotourism â€" 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 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, the King of England, King Charles III, Sir David Attenborough, Audrey Azoulay (UNESCO's Director-General), Zurab Pololikashvili (Secretary General of UNWTO), and 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 debt-for-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 hectaresâ€"an increase of 23 percent of its current sizeâ€"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.
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