PERE JOAN PONS (SPAIN)
OSCE PA President Pia Kauma (Finland) appointed Pere Joan Pons (Spain) as Special Representative on Climate Change in September 2023.
With a background in law and journalism, Pons was elected to the Congress of Deputies in 2016 as a member of the Socialist Party. In parliament, he serves on the Foreign Affairs, EU, Development and Economy Committees.
Prior to being elected to parliament, Pons worked at the Paris-based think tank Droit International 90, European broadcaster EuroNews, and Médecins Sans Frontières. In 2007 he started to work for the Balearic Islands’ Regional Government, and from 2011 to 2015 he served as Gabriel Alomar’s Political Foundation Director.
He also worked as a Senior Political Advisor for the Socialist Party in the Parliament of the Balearic Islands. He has taught several courses on International Cooperation and Humanitarian assistance at the University of the Balearic Islands and since 2012, he has been a Member of the Executive Board of the Socialist Party in the Balearic Islands. In 2015, he was appointed as Chief of Staff of the President of Balearic Regional Government.
Additionaly, Pere Joan Pons (Spain) serves as the Vice-President of the Assembly, he previously served as Chair of the OSCE PA General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment and the Special Representative on South Caucasus in July 2022 - July 2023.
MANDATE
- Build high-level political momentum for climate action across the OSCE region by mobilizing parliamentary efforts, encouraging the adoption of ambitious climate policies, promoting collaboration in relevant international forums and advancing the implementation of climate-related commitments.
- Bring increased visibility to the actions needed to mitigate and adapt to climate change, highlighting the urgency of addressing the climate crisis through co-operative and comprehensive efforts based on the latest scientific findings and leveraging the latest technologies.
- Promote goal-oriented collaboration between the executive and parliamentary bodies of the OSCE, with the aim to duly integrate climate change considerations into all organization's initiatives and activities, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive approach to security.
- In coordination with relevant OSCE PA Committees and Special Representatives, and especially the General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment, promote greater climate-related dialogue and awareness within the Assembly, including by engaging with high-level experts, academia, the business community, civil society and youth, to foster a deeper understanding of climate change, its causes and multifaceted impact on our societies.
