Tasneem Essop is an expert on climate, energy, poverty, and social justice issues and is the executive director of Climate Action Network-International, a global civil society network in over 130 countries. Ms. Essop has held various senior government positions in South Africa, including as a provincial minister. She was also a global climate policy and strategy leader for WWF International, where she led the delegation for the organization at the UNFCCC. Ms. Essop completed her second term as commissioner in the National Planning Commission of South Africa. She was also a member of the Board of Sanparks, the leading conservation authority in South Africa.