New board members represent a wealth of sustainable development experience in the fields of private sector engagement, conflict and sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity protection, and the Arctic.

WINNIPEG — The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) announced today the appointment of seven new members to its board of directors. Joining the IISD board for three year terms are Stephanie Cairns (Canada), John Michael Forgách (Brazil), Daniel Gagnier (Canada), Gordon McBean (Canada), Jane Rigby (Canada), Mohamed Sahnoun (Algeria), and Mary Simon (Canada).

"These new members provide further evidence of the institute's reputation and reach. They are exceptional individuals with a vast array of experience and expertise. They will add much to the collective wisdom of an already very capable and highly effective board," said IISD Board Chair, Jacques Gérin.

"I am looking forward to working with these new board members over the next few years. We will be relying on the entire board as we implement our second strategic plan. I am confident they will have much to contribute in this regard," said David Runnalls, President and CEO of IISD. "It is also worth noting that with the addition of these new members we have both lowered the average age of our board and significantly improved the gender balance."

"IISD is a leading international research organization bringing much needed attention to many important sustainable development issues. I believe the institute's work in Canada and with its partners around the world has furthered global progress towards sustainability. I am very pleased to be working with such a highly regarded organization as a member of its board. My familiarity with the institute goes back to my participation in the Young Canadians for a Sustainable Future internship program, so I am well aware of the very positive impact IISD's work has," said Jane Rigby, Vice President with Cantor Fitzgerald / CO2e.com.

With the addition of these new appointees, IISD's board of directors now has 20 members representing nine different countries. The International Institute for Sustainable Development's board of directors meets twice annually in Ottawa in January and in Winnipeg in June.