OTTAWA — January 16, 2013 — Scott Vaughan has been appointed president and CEO of the International Institute for Sustainable Development at a meeting of its board in Ottawa today.

IISD is a Canada-based public policy research think tank that contributes to sustainable development by advancing policy recommendations on international trade and investment, economic policy, climate change and energy, natural and social capital, and the enabling role of communication technologies in these areas.

Vaughan is currently Canada's Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, a position he has held since 2008.

IISD board chairman Dan Gagnier will continue in the role of interim leader until April 1, when Vaughan takes up his position.

"The institute is thrilled to welcome Scott Vaughan as its new leader. He brings a world of experience and a unique Canadian perspective to the role. His vision for sustainable development is shared by the institute. It is an ideal match," Gagnier said.

In addition to his work in Canada, Vaughan has considerable international experience in the field of sustainable development.  

Vaughan has post-graduate degrees from the London School of Economics, the University of Edinburgh and Dalhousie University, as well as an undergraduate degree from Mount Allison University.

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For more information please contact Nona Pelletier, IISD manager, public affairs at: +1 (204) 958-7740, mobile: +1 (204) 962-1303, or email npelletier@iisd.ca.