News

Who will be the next UN climate change chief? – Global issues

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa speaks at the Climate Change Conference in Bonn. Her second, three-year term as head of the UNFCCC ends in July.
  • Idea by Felix Dodds, Chris Spence (New York)
  • Joint press service
  • With Patricia Espinosa stepping down in a few weeks as head of UN climate change efforts, who will replace her? Felix Dodds and Chris Spence examine options and assess what kind of leader should fill the gap

As thoughts turned to this next important stage, several names circulated for who the next leader should be. These include Alok Sharma of the United Kingdom, who chaired COP26, former GEF leader Naoko Ishii of Japan, and Egypt’s Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad, Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Ambassador Liz Thomson from Barbados with others.

So who should step into Espinosa’s shoes? And what qualities will they need to succeed?

Location, Location

For any senior UN job there is a geopolitical calculation. With more demands from the Global South in fighting climate change, there is an argument being made that the next Executive Secretary should come from a developing country. Some observers feel this will help build confidence in the climate negotiations.

There is also a fair argument here. Historically, the first three UNFCCC leaders were European: Michael Zammit Cutajar of Malta, then Joke Waller-Hunter and Yvo de Boer, both from the Netherlands. The next two are from the Americas: Christiana Figueres from Costa Rica and Patricia Espinosa from Mexico.

It could be easily argued that the next leader should come from Asia-Pacific or Africa. Interestingly, the next two COPs will take place in these regions: COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the United Arab Emirates.

But should it be: Africa or Asia-Pacific? In this respect, it should be noted that two Africans have spearheaded the other so-called Rio Convention: Ibrahim Thiaw is responsible for United Nations efforts to combat desertification, while Elizabeth Mrema is in charge of diversity. biological. Based on this, there is a strong case for appointing a developing person from Asia, the Pacific or possibly from Small Island Developing Countries as they are hardest hit by the impact. impacts of climate change.

Looking for courageous, egoless carriers

Regardless of geography, what are the qualities a future leader will need? We believe someone with excellent networking skills is essential, especially as we move from negotiation to execution mode.

A naturally charismatic character who can build a bond of trust and bring people together will be essential. These are the qualities that Christiana Figueres deployed to great effect in the birth of the Paris Agreement.

Any future UN climate leader will need to be aware of the need for tact. In fact, we suggest that the next leader will need to be almost “unselfish” in their pursuit of progress. The best UN leaders know when to put their partners – such as politicians who hold the COP presidency, as well as other heads of government – at the center.

Not only do they know when to step up, but they also know when to step back and share the limelight. In this respect, Michael Zammit Cutajar – who led the UN climate secretariat in its early years – is a master, as is deputy head Richard Kinley (2006-2017).

There’s an important lesson here: any leader who believes it’s all about them, or that they can seduce or force governments into action, is doomed to failure. This is a particular risk for candidates who have been high-ranking politicians in the past. They will have to curb their instinct to search for headlines for themselves. In this role, the ability to listen, not just speak, will be crucial.

Ideally, the next Executive Secretary has been active in the climate negotiations for some time. This is a complex area and they will need to understand not only the issues or political positions of different groups of countries, but also those who are negotiating.

Diplomacy has always been a complex web of geopolitical positions, but below are individuals. An effective leader will get to know the people involved and find ways to build personal trust. Having someone who already knows the key individuals involved will help them succeed.

This role will also require both courage and persistence. These are qualities that we believe are essential for any successful leader when it comes to multilateral environmental agreements. That’s what we explore in depth in our book, Heroes of Environmental Diplomacy: A Profile of Courage. Yes, science is telling us that we must increase our efforts and sprint to the finish line. However, perseverance and the knowledge that all diplomacy is a marathon will be essential for anyone taking on this important role.

Finally, this is such an important appointment that we would recommend the hiring process be done openly. What we mean here is that there can be “sticks” for member states and stakeholders to ask questions about candidates, as for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. “Town Hall” meetings with staff will also be helpful so they can review input.

It is no exaggeration to assume that this appointment comes at a crucial time for our planet. The need for inspirational, courageous, and distinctive leadership has never been greater.

We wish those who choose — and their choices — all the best.

Chris Spence and Felix Dodds is the co-editor of Heroes of Environmental Diplomacy: A Profile of Courage (Routledge, 2022). Felix is ​​also an Adjunct Professor at the University of North Carolina (UNC) and an Associate Fellow at the Tellus Institute. Chris is an award-winning environmental consultant and writer. Both have been involved in UN climate negotiations since the 1990s.

© Inter Press Service (2022) – All rights reservedOrigin: Inter Press Service

Source link

news7f

News7F: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button