Bonn, 19 November 2018 – It is with mixed feelings that the Secretariat prepares for a change in its ranks; while the arrival of a new colleague, Jeannine Dicken has been met with great delight, there is a degree of sadness because her arrival coincides with the departure of Jolanta Kremer, who is retiring after nearly twelve years of service with AEWA.

Jeannine has already begun her duties replacing Jolanta as the new Programme Management Assistant at the Science, Implementation and Compliance Unit and is well-acquainted with the United Nations system having worked at the Bonn-based Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change since 2012.  At UNFCCC, Jeannine worked in the Executive Direction and Management and Legal Affairs Programmes, as well as completing a 1½-year assignment with the Communications and Outreach Team. Thus, she brings a wealth of experience with her, which will put her in good stead for the awaiting challenges, first and foremost the up-coming MOP7 in Durban.

Jeannine has a truly international background: Hungary, Canada and Ireland are among the countries where she grew up.  She completed her school studies in Egypt, before taking a job in the private sector working in Dubai, UAE.

The Secretariat welcomes Jeannine and wishes her a good start and that she enjoys her new role in this dynamic team.

At the same time, we would like to extend our warmest good wishes to Jolanta Kremer as she embarks on what we all hope will be a long and happy retirement and that she will continue to maintain her close links to the Secretariat.