Secretary Blinken has extended his congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Greening Diplomacy Initiative (GDI) Award and the GDI-OBO Resilience Innovation Fund. The winners of this year have not only met but exceeded expectations, showcasing innovative and impactful initiatives that align with various governmental mandates and sustainability plans. The Office of the Spokesperson highlighted the significant role of the GDI in promoting climate solutions within the U.S. Department of State for over a decade, aiming to conserve resources, enhance resilience, and demonstrate American innovation.
At the recent Department of State's Earth Day event, Acting Chief Sustainability Officer Caroline D’Angelo, OBO Director William Moser, and the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions Director Danny Stoian were present to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the awardees. The GDI Award for Excellence in Team Sustainability Performance recognizes the outstanding efforts of groups or teams within different departments, with winners selected through a meticulous intra-agency process involving various stakeholders.
Among the distinguished recipients, U.S. Embassy Islamabad was honored as the overseas winner for its exceptional sustainability performance. The embassy's initiatives led to significant reductions in energy consumption, carbon footprint, and waste generation, showcasing a comprehensive approach towards environmental conservation and community engagement. U.S. Embassy Bogota was recognized as the runner-up, demonstrating a commitment to environmental causes through collaborative events and sustainable practices.
Additionally, U.S. Embassy New Delhi received the prestigious People's Choice Award for Team Sustainability Performance, with their innovative waste management program and transition to electric vehicles garnering praise from colleagues. The Resilience Innovation Fund, sponsored by OBO, continues to support innovative projects across U.S. embassies and consulates, focusing on enhancing operational sustainability with a range of initiatives such as EV charging stations and rainwater harvesting systems.
The Greening Diplomacy Initiative, overseen by the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions (M/SS), remains committed to promoting sustainable practices within the Department of State. For those interested in learning more about the Department's sustainability efforts and initiatives, further information can be obtained by contacting stategdi@state.gov or visiting Sustainability at the U.S. Department of State.
