Christiana Figueres is a world-renowned leader on climate change, best known for steering the Paris Agreement to success. She brings unmatched expertise in global diplomacy, sustainable development, and systems leadership to inspire corporate and policy audiences to act with courage, urgency and optimism.
Christiana Figueres is a globally recognised leader in climate diplomacy and sustainability strategy. As the former Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), she was instrumental in securing the landmark Paris Agreement in 2015, galvanising diverse actors across business, government, and civil society to chart a shared path toward climate stability.
Christiana Figueres assumed leadership of the UNFCCC following the failed Copenhagen conference in 2009. Over the next six years, she rebuilt trust, strengthened global alignment, and led the Conferences of the Parties in Cancun, Durban, Doha, Warsaw, and Lima, culminating in the historic adoption of the Paris Agreement, signed by 195 countries.
Her collaborative approach brought together a vast coalition of stakeholders, from national and subnational governments to financial institutions, NGOs, activists, corporations, and faith communities. She has been widely credited with redefining global climate diplomacy through her unique ability to align ambition with pragmatism.
Prior to joining the UNFCCC, she served for over a decade as a member of Costa Rica’s climate negotiating team and played key roles in UN climate governance. She also founded and directed the Center for Sustainable Development of the Americas (CSDA) and was Director of Renewable Energy in the Americas (REIA).
Today, she continues to shape the global sustainability agenda as co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of the podcast Outrage + Optimism, and Chair of The Earthshot Prize Foundation. She also sits on the boards of ACCIONA and ACCIONA Energía, and is a member of The B Team.
Christiana Figueres is a deeply compelling speaker who combines evidence-based insight with persuasive storytelling and clear calls to action. Her delivery is authoritative yet inclusive, empowering senior leaders and global teams alike to embrace their roles in addressing complex systemic challenges.
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Christiana Figueres is a globally recognised leader in climate diplomacy and sustainability strategy. As the former Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), she was instrumental in securing the landmark Paris Agreement in 2015, galvanising diverse actors across business, government, and civil society to chart a shared path toward climate stability.
Christiana Figueres assumed leadership of the UNFCCC following the failed Copenhagen conference in 2009. Over the next six years, she rebuilt trust, strengthened global alignment, and led the Conferences of the Parties in Cancun, Durban, Doha, Warsaw, and Lima, culminating in the historic adoption of the Paris Agreement, signed by 195 countries.
Her collaborative approach brought together a vast coalition of stakeholders, from national and subnational governments to financial institutions, NGOs, activists, corporations, and faith communities. She has been widely credited with redefining global climate diplomacy through her unique ability to align ambition with pragmatism.
Prior to joining the UNFCCC, she served for over a decade as a member of Costa Rica’s climate negotiating team and played key roles in UN climate governance. She also founded and directed the Center for Sustainable Development of the Americas (CSDA) and was Director of Renewable Energy in the Americas (REIA).
Today, she continues to shape the global sustainability agenda as co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of the podcast Outrage + Optimism, and Chair of The Earthshot Prize Foundation. She also sits on the boards of ACCIONA and ACCIONA Energía, and is a member of The B Team.
Christiana Figueres is a deeply compelling speaker who combines evidence-based insight with persuasive storytelling and clear calls to action. Her delivery is authoritative yet inclusive, empowering senior leaders and global teams alike to embrace their roles in addressing complex systemic challenges.
Her keynotes and panel contributions are especially impactful for organisations seeking guidance on climate responsibility, cross-sectoral partnerships, purpose-led innovation, and the role of optimism in leadership.
Christiana Figueres is the author of the acclaimed The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis, a thought-provoking book that has shaped conversations around leadership and climate action. Her writing has been featured in global media outlets, and her work continues to influence organisations and policymakers worldwide.
Christiana Figueres holds an undergraduate degree from Swarthmore College and a master’s in Anthropology from the London School of Economics. She also completed a certificate in Organisational Development at Georgetown University. Her contributions to climate diplomacy and global leadership have been recognised through honorary doctorates from leading institutions including Yale University, Georgetown University, the University of Edinburgh, University of Bristol, Warwick University, Concordia University, Smith College, and several others.
A passionate advocate for climate justice and intergenerational responsibility, Christiana Figueres brings not only policy experience but a deeply personal commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable world. Fluent in Spanish, English, and German, she connects with audiences across cultures and sectors.
Contact us now for more information on how Christiana can elevate your next team meeting!
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