In the world of climate diplomacy, where patience, precision, and persistence are the currency of progress, Nathalie Flores has emerged as one of the most respected and transformative leaders within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Her recent re-election as Vice Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) solidifies her reputation as a trusted leader, a strategic thinker, and a relentless advocate for climate action.
With nearly 15 years of experience in international public policy, Nathalie has not only shaped the climate agenda in her home country of the Dominican Republic but also made an indelible mark on global climate negotiations. Her career is a masterclass in bridging the gap between local action and global ambition. Whether working with vulnerable communities in the Dominican Republic or guiding negotiations on carbon markets under the Paris Agreement, Nathalie has proven her ability to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.
Transforming the UNFCCC System from Within
As Vice Chair of SBSTA, Nathalie plays a pivotal role in shaping the technical and scientific foundations of global climate policy. The significance of this role cannot be overstated: SBSTA serves as the bridge between scientific insights and policy decisions, translating the urgency of climate science into actionable frameworks. Nathalie’s leadership within this body has been characterized by her ability to build consensus, foster trust, and advocate for solutions that are both ambitious and inclusive.
Her colleagues within the UNFCCC describe her as a reliable and steadfast presence—someone who brings clarity to complex negotiations and ensures that voices from all corners of the globe are heard. Outside the formal process, climate advocates see Nathalie Flores as a vital ally, recognizing her efforts to push the system toward transformation while maintaining the integrity and trust necessary for meaningful progress.
A Career of Global Impact
Nathalie’s journey into climate leadership began during her MSc studies at the University of Wolverhampton, where she conducted pioneering research on how solar panel installations impacted elderly social housing tenants in the United Kingdom. This early work exemplified her ability to link technical solutions with social benefits, a theme that has continued throughout her career.
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Her roles at the Secretariat of the Coalition for Rainforest Nations in New York City further established her expertise in global carbon markets and greenhouse gas inventories, particularly in the agriculture, forestry, and land use (AFOLU) sector. Working with over 50 member countries, she provided critical technical and legal support to some of the most complex and high-stakes negotiations under the UNFCCC.
Back in the Dominican Republic, Nathalie served as Director for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, where she led the country’s delegation to the UN climate talks. Her leadership on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement—one of the most technically challenging and politically sensitive aspects of the treaty—has been lauded as a testament to her expertise and commitment.
A Vision for the Future
As Nathalie continues her SBSTA Vice Chair role, she is poised to influence key moments in the global climate agenda, including the Bonn Climate Talks in 2025 and COP30 in Brazil. Her mandate comes at a critical juncture, as the world faces mounting pressure to accelerate climate action while ensuring equity and justice in the transition.
For Nathalie Flores, the work is deeply personal. As a Senior Advisor to the Government of the Dominican Republic and a champion for the voices of vulnerable nations, she embodies the resilience and determination needed to confront the climate crisis. Her ability to galvanize action within and beyond the UNFCCC system underscores the transformative power of individuals who can bridge the technical, political, and social dimensions of climate change.
A Legacy in the Making
Nathalie Flores represents the best of what global climate leadership can achieve: a commitment to justice, a focus on results, and an unyielding belief in the power of collaboration. Her contributions will not only shape the outcomes of her current mandate but also inspire a new generation of climate champions to follow in her footsteps.
As the world turns its attention to COP30 and beyond, leaders like Nathalie are a beacon of hope, reminding us that transformative change is possible when expertise meets passion, and when action is driven by both heart and mind.
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