IUCN Members elect an experienced new President

On 12 September 2012, at the World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea, Members of the world’s oldest and largest environmental organization, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), elected Mr Zhang Xinsheng of China as their new President. Mr Zhang is Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Eco-Forum Global, an organization which aims to foster consensus and collaboration among a wide spectrum of stakeholders with a view to catalyzing progress in achieving sustainable development.

In a tight contest, Mr Zhang saw off competition from Member of the European Parliament, Anders Wijkman and Hungarian Special Envoy, Vilmos Kiszel. Additionally, Mr Zhang is President of the China Education Association for International Exchange, Vice President of the International University Sports Federation, board member of the International Institute for Education Planning, UNESCO, and Member of the 11th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

ICLEI, a voting Member of IUCN, would like extend its heartiest congratulations Mr Zhang. With great ambition, a glittering track record, and an expansive network, the experienced statesman, Mr Zhang, is extremely well-placed to guide IUCN and indeed the wider conservation movement forward.

During the same evening, IUCN Members also elected a new Council (principal governing body of IUCN) comprising a Treasurer, Chairs of the six IUCN Commissions and Regional Councilors.

Treasurer
Patrick de Heney, Switzerland/United Kingdom

Commission Chairs

Commission on Ecosystem Management
Piet Wit, The Netherlands

Commission on Education and Communication
Juliane Zeidler, Germany

Commission on Environmental Law
Antonio Herman Benjamin, Brazil

Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy
Aroha Te Pareake Mead, New Zealand

Species Survival Commission
Simon Stuart, United Kingdom

World Commission on Protected Areas
Ernesto Enkerlin Hoeflich, Mexico