SG/SM/10166
ENV/DEV/869
17 October 2005
Secretary-General Deeply Saddened at Death of Joke Waller-Hunter, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change Convention
NEW YORK, 14 October (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the death of his friend and colleague Joke Waller-Hunter, the Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, who passed away today at the age of 58. He extends his condolences to Ms. Waller-Hunter's family and colleagues.
Ms. Waller-Hunter led the UNFCCC at a crucial time. Appointed Executive Secretary in 2002, she oversaw the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol and played a leading role in preparations for its implementation, particularly on adaptation to the impact of climate change. She was a firm believer in the principles of sustainable development, and knew that global cooperation was essential to advancing that cause. She will be mourned with deep affection and respect by many friends and allies around the world.
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