THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

29 April 2016
Excellency,
Further to the letter of my Chef de Cabinet of 5 February 2016
regarding the search for the next Executive Secretary of the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), I am pleased to
inform you that the search and selection processes have now been completed.
As you are aware, the process leading to the final selection entailed the
following: I wrote to Member States requesting nominations for the position
relying on the Terms of Reference in the Note Verbale that had been earlier
shared with the Conference of the Parties through its Bureau. We also invited
potential candidates to apply through a public advertisement of the position in
a web announcement.

Following a detailed review of nominations and applications and a

rigorous interview of short-listed candidates, a panel of senior advisers
recommended four finalists for my consideration.
I interviewed the four finalists and am pleased to convey herewith my
intention to appoint Ms. Patricia Espinosa Cantellano of Mexico as the new
UNFCCC Executive Secretary for a term of three years. Her curriculum vitae
is attached for ease of reference,
I would appreciate your undertaking the necessary consultations with
the members of the Conference of the Parties through its Bureau, concerning
the above decision.
Please accept. Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Her Excellency
Ms. Segol<bne Royal
President of the 21st Session of the Conference
of Parties to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
Paris

Ambassador Patricia Esplnosa Cantellano

SUMMARY
n An ambassador, diplomat and global leader whose professional credentials reflect
more than 30 years of experience at the highest levels in international relations,
specializing in issues related to climate change, global governance, sustainable
development, environmental stewardship, gender equality, and the protection of
human rights,
A tireless supporter of multilateralism as a way to improve conditions for
development in all regions of the world.
n Responsible for significant roles as Mexico's representative on multilateral bodies
and international organizations in Vienna, Geneva, and New York.
" A leader in the global fight to address climate change and its consequences. As Chair
of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention
On Climate Change, obtained the adoption of the Cancun Agreements, the
foundation for the new, legally-binding global agreement adopted in Paris in 2015.
B A decorated national figure, appointed Ambassador Emeritus of Mexico, the highest
recognition the Government of Mexico awards its diplomats.
- Recognized global voice named by United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki^Moon,
to the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post 2015 Development Agenda.

LEADERSHIP HISTORY
Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Mexico) 20062012
o Led negotiations resulting in the creation of the Community of Latin American and
Caribbean States, a milestone in the history of the region. Also conducted the
process for the establishment of the Pacific Alliance, an integration system
consisting of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.
o Improved and strengthened the bilateral relationship with the United States, based
on mutual respect and trust, essential in the face of complex situations and issues.
o Chaired the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework
Convention On Climate Change and obtained the adoption of the "Cancun
agreements," reigniting fading international negotiations.
t*

o Responsible for organizing the first-ever G-20 Summit in an emerging country,

which brought global economic leaders together in Mexico and received positive
reviews and results.

o Played a leading role within the Organization of American States, in negotiations

designed to lift sanctions against Cuba.
o Championed the protection of Mexican nationals abroad, significantly improving the
consular services network, facilitating health services and education to migrants in
the United States.

Ambassador of Mexico to Germany

Current
Ambassador to Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia
and UN Organizations in Vienna

20012002 and 2012

20022006

o Initiated efforts to expand awareness of Mexico's growing economy and global

influence with clear and measurable outcomes: an exponential increase in German
investment in Mexico, and growth in bilateral trade grew from $7 billion in 1999 to

$17 billion in 2015.

o Responsible for Mexico's participation in international organizations such as the
International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development
Organization, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, and the
United Nations Office on Drugs And Crime.

o Played a vital role in the complex and lengthy negotiations leading to the approval,
in Merida, Mexico, of the UN Convention against Corruption.

OTHER KEY DATES AND POSITIONS 1981-1996

1996: Elected Chair of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.
o 1995: Played a key role in the process leading to the adoption of the Beijing
Platform for Action, at the Fourth World Conference on Women.
> 1993: Conducted negotiations to build a stronger framework for international
cooperation against drug abuse and trafficking as a Mexican representative to the
United Nations.
19891991: Chief of Staff to the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs.
19821988: Responsible for economic Issues at the Permanent Mission of Mexico
to the United Nations in Geneva.
o 1981: Joined the Mexican Foreign Service.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

o Named by United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, to the High-Level Panel
of Eminent Persons On the Post-2015 Development Agenda,
o Appointed Ambassador Emeritus of Mexico, the highest recognition the Government
of Mexico awards its diplomats.
Awarded German Sustalnability Prize in 2013 in recognition of efforts to combat
climate change.
Formally decorated by the governments of Germany, Argentina, Austria, Chile,
Colombia, Denmark, El Salvador, Guatemala, Netherlands, Paraguay, and Peru,

ONGOING WORK AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

o Invited by institutions around the world to share first-hand experience on issues

including climate change, sustainable development, and gender equality, with
published articles and lectures in Germany, China, Italy, France, and United
Kingdom.
e Serves on the advisory board of the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice,
among other initiatives dedicated to climate change, sustainable development and
strengthening multilateralism.

EDUCATION
o A degree in International Relations from El Colegio de Mexico and postgraduate
studies in International Law from the Institut Universitaire de Hautes Etudes
Internationales in Geneva.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Spanish (mother tongue]
English (fluent)
o German (fluent)
0 French (fluent comprehension, basic oral and written)