WASHINGTON (June 11, 2014)— World Resources Institute announced today that Pascal Canfin will join the institute as a Senior Advisor for International Climate Affairs on July 1st. Canfin will contribute to the Institute’s work to secure an effective and ambitious international climate agreement. He will focus on the development of creative solutions to the challenging issues that countries will be addressing in the lead-up to the UNFCCC climate negotiations in Paris in 2015.

“This is a critical time as countries have just 18 months to bring forward constructive ideas that will form a new international climate agreement. We are delighted that Pascal is joining us as he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of sustainable development, finance, and climate change,” said Andrew Steer, President & CEO, World Resources Institute. “He will bring a leading voice to the discussions and action that can build a strong and universal climate agreement.”

Canfin joins WRI from the French government, where he served as minister delegate for development under the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Prior to that role, Canfin was a member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2012, where he sat on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and was a Vice Chairman of the Special Committee for the Financial, Economic and Social Crisis.

“As a minister, I have seen firsthand the deep expertise and influence of WRI on climate and development issues. I am very proud to join what I regard as the leading global research organization on climate affairs,” said Canfin. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues to ensure we reach an ambitious, fair and effective global climate agreement in 2015.”

Canfin will be based in Paris.