GHG Daily
2/22/2016
Christiana Figueres, who helped steer nearly 200 nations to the creation of the world’s first universal climate agreement, will step down from her position as executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change on July 6. “The Paris Agreement is a historical achievement, built on years of increasing willingness to construct bridges of collaboration and solidarity. It has been an honor to support you along this path over the past six years,” Figueres wrote her formal announcement late last week.
The Paris Agreement was adopted in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC. The agreement is the first that includes contributions by developed and developing nations to address the challenge of climate change. Figueres played a key role in fostering cooperation between the countries. “We now move into a phase of urgent implementation. The journey that lies ahead will require continued determination, ingenuity and, above all, our collective sense of humanity and purpose. I know that together you will again rise to the task,” Figueres wrote.
According to the announcement, a formal search for a new executive secretary will begin soon, and all UNFCCC parties will be invited to submit candidates. “In consultation with the UNFCCC Bureau, and in recognition of the political significance of climate change as well as the scope of the responsibilities of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, the Secretary-General has decided to elevate the post of the Executive Secretary to the level of Under Secretary General,” Figueres’ announcement says.
