Rachel Kyte has been appointed as the UK’s Special Representative for Climate, a role aimed at enhancing the nation’s international diplomatic engagement on climate change and clean energy. This announcement, made by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband in New York, marks a significant step in the UK’s efforts to re-establish its position as a global leader in climate action.
The position had been vacant for over a year but has been revived as part of the government’s ambitions to boost climate leadership on the world stage. Kyte brings a wealth of experience to the role, serving as Professor of Practice in Climate Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. She has previously held prestigious positions, including Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, CEO of Sustainable Energy for All, and World Bank Group Vice President.
The announcement coincided with the event “Accelerating Deployment of Clean Power: Building a Global Clean Power Alliance,” hosted by Lammy and Miliband. The meeting aimed to foster discussions on global clean energy initiatives amid the growing urgency of the climate crisis.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised the importance of coordinated global action in addressing the climate and nature crisis. “This government is committed to boosting the UK’s climate leadership,” he stated. “Rachel Kyte will bring invaluable expertise and experience as we work together with partners to drive the energy transition, support those most vulnerable to the worst impacts of the climate crisis, and meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband echoed Lammy’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of climate change as “the defining issue of our time.” He noted that the government’s mission for clean power by 2030 aims to protect energy security for families and businesses while also promoting global action for climate security for future generations. “Rachel’s expertise will be invaluable in unlocking climate finance and supporting countries on the front line of the crisis,” he added.
In her statement, Rachel Kyte expressed her enthusiasm for the role and the government’s commitment to reconnecting the UK with the world through climate action. “The world is being shaped politically and economically by climate change,” she remarked. “This provides an opportunity to use international action to help deliver on the UK’s energy mission.”
Kyte acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in mobilising financing for green growth and protecting vulnerable populations. “There is no time like now for the UK to help drive action, and I am excited to play my part in this new role,” she stated.
As the Special Representative for Climate, Kyte will support ministers in increasing senior international diplomatic engagement on climate and clean energy. The role, which operates jointly between the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), will focus on enhancing the UK’s international leadership, building influence, raising global ambition, and accelerating progress on strategic climate objectives. Kyte will report directly to both the Foreign Secretary and the Energy Secretary as she undertakes this vital work.