Association Climate-KIC announces Anders Wijkman as new Chair of the Governing Board

For immediate release

Climate-KIC, Europe’s largest public-private partnership tackling climate change through innovation, today announces the appointment of Anders Wijkman as Chair of the Governing Board of Association Climate-KIC, with immediate effect.

Mr Wijkman succeeds John Schellnhuber, who is stepping down having successfully served as Chair for six years, the maximum tenure of two terms. Schellnhuber was appointed when Climate-KIC formed in 2010.

Climate-KIC, one of a number of Knowledge and Innovation Communities created by the European Institute of Technology (EIT), has a mission to accelerate the zero-carbon economy through developing innovation for mitigation and adaptation.

John Schellnhuber said: “Anders Wijkman has been a prominent and prestigious figure in environmental and development issues for many years. I have no doubt that Climate-KIC will greatly benefit from his knowledge, international experience and his strong commitment to building a sustainable economy while boosting jobs and tackling climate change.”

Anders Wijkman said: “I am honoured to have been invited to become Chair of Association Climate-KIC. Innovation is a pre-requisite to meet the Paris climate goals and I very much look forward to helping strengthen Climate-KIC in its efforts to promote low carbon solutions, breakthrough technologies and new economic dynamics.”

Wijkman’s appointment follows a nomination from the members of the Association Climate-KIC Governing Board, overseen by a nomination committee.

Association Climate-KIC is the ultimate owner of the Climate-KIC group of companies. Wijkman’s role will be to oversee and co-develop Group strategy with the Governing Board, which comprises representatives from Association Climate-KIC’s Core Partners.

Kirsten Dunlop, CEO Climate-KIC, said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Anders. Climate-KIC will benefit enormously from his insight and experience in the current context of political turbulence and the imperative to engage our societies, communities and industries in active transformation through the generation of innovative solutions to climate change. I appreciate the efforts of the Board and selection committee in making such an appointment.

“I would also like to give thanks to John Schellnhuber, who has enabled and guided Climate-KIC since its launch in 2010. Our organisation has been made possible by his vision and his leadership, not only as one of the foremost climate scientists in the world, but as a thinker and practitioner whose influence bridges science and policy as well as science and innovation. John has helped ensure we kept focused on the major climate challenges facing the world, and where Climate-KIC could and should make a difference.”

 

ENDS

 

About Anders Wijkman

Anders Wijkman is co-president of global thinktank the Club of Rome, chairman of the Swedish Association of Recycling Industries, and member of the Board of the Swedish Development Authority (SIDA). In January 2015 Anders was appointed chair of the Swedish Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives.

He has served as a Member of the European Parliament, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Policy Director of UNDP, Secretary General of the Swedish Red Cross and Director General of the Swedish Agency for Research Cooperation with Developing Countries.

Wijkman is a member of the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences, the World Future Council and the International Resource Panel.

About Climate-KIC

Climate-KIC is the EU’s largest public-private partnership addressing climate change through innovation to build a zero-carbon economy. It addresses climate change across four themes: urban areas, land use, production systems, and climate metrics and finance. Education is at the heart of these themes to inspire and empower the next generation of climate leaders. Climate-KIC runs programmes for students, start-ups and innovators across Europe via centres in major cities.

Climate-KIC is supported by the European Institute of Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.