Ibrahim Thiaw — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) from 2019 to 2025.
Was Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) from 2013 to 2018.
Served as interim head of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2022.
Worked for 10 years in Mauritania's Ministry of Rural Development.
Spent ten years at the World Conservation Union (IUCN) in various positions.
Holds an advanced degree in forestry and forest product techniques.

Biography

Ibrahim Thiaw is a Mauritanian public servant with extensive experience in international affairs, sustainable development, and environmental policy. From 2019 to 2025, he served as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), leading global efforts to combat desertification and land degradation.

Prior to his role at UNCCD, Thiaw held several key positions within the United Nations.