Patricia Espinosa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Patricia Espinosa Cantellano
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
In office 18 July 2016 – 15 July 2022
Preceded by	Christiana Figueres
Succeeded by	Simon Stiell (Acting)
Ambassador of Mexico to Germany
In office 6 September 2013 – 18 July 2016
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
In office December 1, 2006 – December 1, 2012
President	Felipe Calderón
Preceded by	Luis Ernesto Derbez
Succeeded by	José Antonio Meade Kuribreña
Personal details
Born	Patricia Espinosa Cantellano (1958-10-21) October 21, 1958 (age 66) Mexico City, Mexico
Relations	Married
Alma mater	El Colegio de México Graduate Institute of International Studies
Profession	Diplomat

Patricia Espinosa Cantellano (born October 21, 1958) is a well-known diplomat from Mexico. She worked as the top leader for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from 2016 to 2022. Before that, she was Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs. This is a very important job in the government. She also served as Mexico's Ambassador to several countries, including Austria, Germany, Slovenia, and Slovakia. Because of her long and successful career, she was given the special title of Ambassador Emeritus of Mexico in 2012.

Early Life and Education

Patricia Espinosa Cantellano studied International Relations at El Colegio de México. She also earned a special diploma in International Law. She got this diploma from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Switzerland. She is married and has two children.

A Career in Diplomacy

Patricia Espinosa Cantellano started her career in the Foreign Service on September 16, 1981. This means she began working for her country in international relations.

Early Diplomatic Roles

During her early career, Ambassador Cantellano held many important roles.

• She worked on economic affairs for Mexico's mission to the UN in Geneva.
• She was a director for international organizations.
• She also worked at Mexico's mission to the UN in New York.
• She led a committee at the UN General Assembly.
• She helped coordinate meetings between countries in the Americas and Europe.

Becoming an Ambassador

In 2000, she was promoted to Ambassador. She worked at the Mexican Embassy in Germany from 2001 to 2002. After that, she became the Ambassador to Austria. While in Austria, she also worked with many international groups based in Vienna. She held this position from 2002 to 2006.

Espinosa (right) with Condoleezza Rice and Peter Mackay

Leading Mexico's Foreign Affairs

On November 28, 2006, Felipe Calderón announced that Patricia Espinosa would be his Secretary of Foreign Affairs. She started this important role on December 1, 2006.

As Secretary of Foreign Affairs, she achieved many things:

• She helped organize the first G-20 Summit in an emerging country in 2012.
• She led the 16th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP16). This meeting successfully created the "Cancun Agreements." These agreements helped bring back trust in international climate talks.
• She worked to make Mexico's relationship with the United States stronger. They worked together on many important topics.
• She helped coordinate Mexico's international response to the H1N1 pandemic. This health crisis started in Mexico.
• She helped create the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. This was a big step for the region.
• She also helped set up the Pacific Alliance. This group includes Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

In 2012, because of her excellent work, she was named Ambassador Emeritus of Mexico. This is the highest honor for a Mexican diplomat.

Return to Germany and Climate Leadership

From 2012 to 2016, she was again Mexico's Ambassador to Germany. In this role, she worked hard to improve the relationship between the two countries. She especially focused on promoting Mexico's economic chances. This led to more German investments and trade with Mexico.

In May 2016, the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, chose her for a very important job. She became the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In this role, she helped guide the organization. Her goal was to make sure the Paris Agreement was fully put into action around the world.

Awards and Honors

Patricia Espinosa Cantellano has received many awards and honors for her work.

• She was named Ambassador Emeritus of Mexico in 2012. This is the highest honor for Mexican diplomats.
• She received the German Sustainability Prize in 2012.
• She was given the Sustainability Prize in 2019 by the Saxon Hans-Carl von Carlowitz Society.
• She has also received honors from the governments of many countries. These include Germany, Argentina, Austria, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, El Salvador, Guatemala, Netherlands, Paraguay, and Peru.

Other Contributions

Patricia Espinosa Cantellano has also contributed to many other important groups and initiatives.

• She was a member of the High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the 2030 Agenda.
• She was a Commissioner at the Global Commission of Adaptation.
• She was part of the High-Level Consultative Group for the InsuResilience Global Partnership.
• She helped start the Berlin-Bonn chapter of the International Gender Champions.
• She was a member of the Advisory Board of the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice.
• She was also a member of the OECD High-Level Advisory Group.
• She served on The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy Board.
• She is a member of the International Gender Champions (IGC).

See also

In Spanish: Patricia Espinosa para niños