Professor Stephen Minas elected Chair of UN climate technology body

STL Professor Stephen Minas was elected Chair of the UN Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN) Advisory Board at its recent meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The CTCN was established by the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2010 and is accountable to the Conference of the Parties through the Advisory Board. It is hosted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Photo credit: Anastasiia Tiurmenko/CTCN

Fully operational since 2014, the CTCN has implemented over 370 technical assistance projects in developing countries, mobilising the expertise of over 900 Network member institutions. During this period, the CTCN has secured over $133 million in contributions from donor States and financing from other international institutions.

At the meeting in UN City, Copenhagen, the Advisory Board provided guidance on a broad range of CTCN activities, including the UNFCCC AI for Climate Action initiative, its collaborations with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and international climate funds, the new strategy on international R&D collaborations, and the Youth Climate Innovation incubator and accelerator programme for young climate entrepreneurs.

Following the meeting, Dr Minas said: ‘I approach this role with a sense of urgency.  While the international system of multilateral cooperation is weathering new storms, the climate crisis won’t wait. Action by guided by the Paris Agreement and the global consensus it expresses is key to building a future based on ambition, resilience and justice. The CTCN is a powerful tool for accelerating the climate transition in developing countries.’