14 November 2011: Expressing profound sadness, the UNFCCC Secretariat has informed parties and observers of the sudden death of Mama Konate (Mali), Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), in Bonn, Germany.

The Notification plays tribute to the key role Konaté played in the climate change negotiations since the third session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 3) in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997. It also states that, as National Focal Point of Mali, he applied his capacity and wisdom in firmly defending the interests of the least developed countries (LDCs), including his own, while always remaining dedicated to the global good and the objectives of the Convention. The Secretariat extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. [UNFCCC Notification]