María Fernanda Espinosa

Maria Fernanda Espinosa is an Ecuadorian academic, diplomat, politician, poet and linguist. Her professional experience spans over 30 years in academia, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and high-level government positions. In Ecuador, she served twice as Minister of Foreign Affairs (2007-2008 & 2017-2018), Minister of Defense (2012-2014) and Minister of Cultural and Natural Heritage (2009-2012). Furthermore, Espinosa was the first female ambassador and permanent representative of Ecuador to the United Nations offices in New York and Geneva. Her most recent appointment was to serve as President of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (2018-2019), becoming the fourth woman in history and the first from Latin America and the Caribbean to preside over this body since its foundation in 1945. Currently, Espinosa performs several advisory and advocacy roles in gender equality, sustainable development, health diplomacy, indigenous affairs, global and local governance, and multilateralism. Her multiple duties include: Liaison to the UN and Member of Global Women Leaders for Change and Inclusion; Member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Co-chair of the Coalition for the UN We Need; Member of the Board of Patrons at the World Sustainability Forum; Political Advisor for the Universal Health Coverage 2030 Movement; Councilor of the World Future Council and Member of the High-Level Advisory Council for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.