The concepts of green growth and the green economy sit within a complex institutional structure comprising international and non-governmental organisations, government departments, private sector entities, and academic institutions. Moreover, these actors operate at global, regional and national levels across economic, social and environmental domains.

This complexity has only increased over the years with the proliferation of political statements, multilateral agreements, financing and governance mechanisms, and institutions initiated with the aim of furthering the transition to a green economy.

Effective green growth planning requires a keen understanding of this complexity, as well as a recognition that there is no single blueprint for a green economy transition. Most importantly, however, it requires that each country develop the institutional and governance capacity necessary to formulate and implement the wide-ranging policy reforms associated with green growth.

Relevance to the SDG

Building strong institution and governance systems, including to ensure the inclusion of developing countries in international processes, is at the core of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16. In addition, improving institutional capacity on climate change mitigation and adaptation is central to SDG 13 target 13.3.

SDG 13.3
Institutional Capacity on Climate Change   SDG 16.8
Increase Developing Country Participation