Building on her work on climate justice, the U.N. chief noted that the former Irish president will engage Heads of State and Governments around the world in order to mobilize political will and action.
Former Irish President Mary Robinson has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as Special Envoy for Climate Change in preparation for a climate summit that will convene in September.
Building on her work on climate justice, the U.N. chief noted that the former Irish president will engage Heads of State and Governments around the world in order to mobilize political will and action.
In addition, Mrs. Robinson will also be providing the secretary-general strategic advice based on her consultations, as well as raise ambition in advance of the 2014 Climate Summit that will be held in New York on September 23, 2014.
The upcoming summit is seen as an important milestone to mobilize political commitment for the conclusion of a global agreement by 2015, and to spur enhanced action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilient communities.
In line with her new appointment, the U.N. chief commended her for her work as Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa, particularly, her efforts in bringing cohesion and international awareness to the challenges in the region.
Mrs. Robinson has more than four decades of political and diplomatic experience under her belt, including as President of Ireland from 1990 to 1997, as a member of the Irish Senate from 1969 to 1989, and as the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002.
The former Irish president will continue to serve as President of the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, and is expected to work closely with other envoys in her new role, such as Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (see related story). – EcoSeed Staff