Secretary-General's statements

 On behalf of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora— or CITES—I am pleased to join you in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day 2025!I would like to extend my thanks to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals for their essential work to conserve migratory animals, many of which are also CITES-listed and rely on urban-adjacent habitats throughout their life cycles.And congratulations to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

 Intervention by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero as Vice-Chair of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF)Agenda item 3 (b) (i): Contributions of the CPF, its member organizations & the UN system to achieving the thematic priorities; progress on the workplan of the PartnershipThank you, Chair.Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,Congratulations to the Chair, the bureau, and the UNFF Secretariat for the successful organization of this session. 

 

 On this International Women's Day, I am proud to stand alongside women worldwide who play a crucial role in the stewardship of our valuable wildlife. As the first woman to serve as Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, I am deeply inspired by the commitment and resilience of women in the field of natural resource conservation.Women are at the heart of conservation efforts, whether they are in scientific research, policymaking, training and education, or on-the-ground actions. Their perspectives and leadership are vital for fostering innovative solutions and ensuring the effective management of our natural resources. I acknowledge the remarkable achievement of women who are leading the key governing bodies of CITES, whose actions exemplify the critical role that women play in global environmental governance, fostering partnerships and working towards shared goals.

78th meeting of the CITES Standing CommitteeClosing Remarks by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero8 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland © CITES Secretariat Excellencies,Distinguished Standing Committee Members, Parties, and observers,Ladies and Gentlemen,Thank you sincerely for the collaboration and respect demonstrated throughout these discussions.

 78th meeting of the CITES Standing CommitteeOpening Remarks by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero3 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland  © CITES Secretariat Thank you very much, Madame Chair.Excellencies,Distinguished Standing Committee Members, Parties and observers,Ladies and Gentlemen,

Wetlands are nature’s lifelines—vibrant ecosystems that connect land and water and support an incredible array of wild species.  This underlines the importance of the Convention on Wetlands. Forty percent of all known plant and animal species rely on wetlands for their survival.Many of these species like the Siberian crane, the African manatee, and the Gharial crocodile are covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, which ensures that international trade in these species does not impact their existence in the wild. 

 International Forum on Combating Money Laundering and Transnational Organized Crimes: Criminal Networks, Trade Dynamics and BeyondOpening Ceremony Keynote by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero10 December 2024, Hong Kong SAR, China Excellencies,Distinguished delegates,Guests and participants,Ladies and gentlemen,It is my great honour to address you today at the International Forum on Combating Money Laundering and Transnational Organized Crimes: Criminal Networks, Trade Dynamics and Beyond.