Christiana
Figueres
Former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, who played a pivotal role in uniting governments, businesses, and civil society to secure the Paris Agreement. By championing stubborn optimism and deep listening, Christiana reshaped global climate negotiations, proving that diplomacy rooted in trust and inclusivity can drive systemic change.
THE BACKGROUND
Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, is a leading force in global climate leadership, best known for her pivotal role in securing the Paris Agreement. Her impact, however, extends far beyond a single treaty. As a Costa Rican diplomat with a deep understanding of both politics and policy, she recognized early on that addressing climate change required more than technological solutions—it demanded global cooperation.
At a time when climate action was widely perceived as an economic sacrifice, Christiana helped redefine it as the foundation for a sustainable and more viable future. This shift in perspective inspired nations to set more ambitious climate goals and demonstrated that bold action is not just necessary, it is an opportunity for long-term economic and environmental resilience.
Christiana's Leadership and Impact
Christiana’s leadership is characterized by optimism, empathy, and inclusivity. Under her guidance, the UNFCCC became a platform for collaboration, bringing together countries with vastly different priorities to agree on a shared path forward. She champions “stubborn optimism”, the belief that lasting change requires always focusing on the possibility of success, regardless of the challenges.
Her role in the Paris Agreement exemplified leadership that went beyond traditional diplomacy. By emphasizing the human side of climate change and encouraging negotiators to view themselves as part of a global community, she guided the most complex international climate agreement ever reached. This agreement wasn’t just about emissions reduction, it was about building trust and aligning on a shared vision for the future.
Christiana’s impact extends past the scope of international agreements. She has been a strong advocate for mindfulness and emotional intelligence in climate leadership, promoting a shift toward a collective mindset. By embed ding these principles into the climate movement, she has helped reshape leadership to balance urgency with both personal and collective strength. Through her work with Global Optimism, an organization dedicated to driving transformative climate action, and her podcast Outrage + Optimism, Christiana continues to inspire the next generation of climate leaders to collaborate, think holistically, and act courageously in the face of global challenges.
LOOKING AHEAD
Through Global Optimism, Christiana continues to drive climate action, working to shift the global mindset from apathy to action. Their project The Climate Pledge, co-founded with Amazon, now unites over 450 companies working to reach net zero by 2040.
Meanwhile, the collaboration Groundswell highlights real-world climate solutions, demonstrating tangible progress across sectors to inspire broader action. In collaboration with the Plum Village monastics, Global Optimism also holds Climate Leaders Retreats, assisting climate leaders in developing the resilience, clarity, and insight needed to navigate the challenges of the climate crisis. Christiana continues to inspire bold leadership and cross-sector collaboration, driving momentum toward COP30 and beyond.
Christiana’s leadership is characterized by optimism, empathy, and inclusivity. Under her guidance, the UNFCCC became a platform for collaboration, bringing together countries with vastly different priorities to agree on a shared path forward. She champions “stubborn optimism”, the belief that lasting change requires always focusing on the possibility of success, regardless of the challenges.
Her role in the Paris Agreement exemplified leadership that went beyond traditional diplomacy. By emphasizing the human side of climate change and encouraging negotiators to view themselves as part of a global community, she guided the most complex international climate agreement ever reached. This agreement wasn’t just about emissions reduction, it was about building trust and aligning on a shared vision for the future.
Christiana’s impact extends past the scope of international agreements. She has been a strong advocate for mindfulness and emotional intelligence in climate leadership, promoting a shift toward a collective mindset. By embed ding these principles into the climate movement, she has helped reshape leadership to balance urgency with both personal and collective strength. Through her work with Global Optimism, an organization dedicated to driving transformative climate action, and her podcast Outrage + Optimism, Christiana continues to inspire the next generation of climate leaders to collaborate, think holistically, and act courageously in the face of global challenges.
"The challenges we face have proliferated, and the urgency is clear. The climate and biodiversity crises are getting worse. Nationalism is on the rise. Human rights are being trampled. Multilateral cooperation is faltering. The moment calls for trailblazing leadership, not only from the top, but from everyone. We are being called upon to stand up and show up with humility and with empathy, with courage and with fervent curiosity about what we can do differently to find new ways forward. "
- Christiana Figueres