April 2013: As part of the “synergies process” among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, their joint Secretariat has announced the appointment of Chiefs of the Scientific Support Branch, the Technical Assistance Branch and the Conventions Operation Branch. With each appointee serving all three Conventions, the appointments form part of the restructuring of the Secretariat.

According to the Secretariat, Abiola Olanipekun of Nigeria has been appointed Chief of the Scientific Support Branch. She will join the Secretariat on 25 April 2013.

Maria Cristina Cárdenas-Fischer of Colombia has been selected as Chief of the Technical Assistance Branch. She has worked for the Stockholm Convention Secretariat since 2001.

David Ogden of the US has been selected as Chief of the Conventions Operations Branch. He has served the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) since 1997. [Synergies Press Release] [The Synergies Process]