Ban appoints climate change official ahead of December UN climate conference

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Janos Pasztor of Hungary as the first-ever UN Assistant Secretary-General on Climate Change, the Organization’s Spokesperson’s office announced today.

According to a press release, Mr. Pasztor will serve as the Senior Adviser of the Secretary-General on climate change until the critical 21st UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) scheduled to be held in Paris in December.

“Mr. Pasztor’s tenure will focus on supporting efforts towards a universal climate agreement in 2015 and mobilising global climate action on the ground, including through a coherent United Nations System-wide action,” the press release explained.

A former Acting Executive Director at World Wildlife Fund International, Mr. Pasztor also boasts a rich experience within the UN system, having served as the Executive Secretary of the UN Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Global Sustainability from 2011 to 2012 and as the Director of the Secretary-General’s Climate Change Support Team from 2008 to 2010. From 1993 to 2006, Mr. Pasztor also held various senior positions in the UNFCCC.