Consular Conversations: COP28: UAE Consensus - Argentina & Japan Perspectives on Climate Impact

About this event

COP28 took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 13, 2023. This pivotal conference aimed to significantly advance the implementation of the Paris Agreement, addressing urgent challenges related to climate change and the global rise in temperature.

Explore the outcomes of COP28 and the broader landscape of climate negotiations, offering distinctive insights from both an industrialized nation and a developing country.

The SFU School for International Studies' Consular Conversations series is a monthly public forum featuring discussions with members of the Consular Corps in Vancouver. These conversations are moderated by Dr. Ricardo Arredondo, an IS Adjunct Professor and Consul General of Argentina. The goal is to bring together the Consular Corps of British Columbia for public lectures that encourage dialogue on issues that transcend borders, explore inspiring topics, and cultivate connections. The primary audience will be members of the Consular Corps of British Columbia and the Schools for International Studies and Public Policy. This is an exceptional opportunity for students in both SFU units.

Speaker Bio

Ignacio Frechero

Ignacio Frechero is a career diplomat currently serving as the Deputy Consul of the Argentine Republic in Vancouver.

Previous to his current post, he acted as a multilateral negotiator specializing in environmental affairs (UNFCCC, UNFF, EPOC-OECD, COFO-FAO, Ramsar Convention, Escazú Agreement, among others). In particular, he was part of the Argentine negotiating team at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.

His educational credentials include studies in International Relations, Development Studies, and Political Science.

In addition to his diplomatic roles, Ignacio has contributed to academia as a lecturer in several esteemed universities and educational institutions, including UCV, UNISINOS, UNICEN, UNSAM, UB, Academia Diplomática Andrés Bello, and InstitutoDiplomático Dr. José Guerrero, among others.

Furthermore, he has authored numerous articles published in scientific journals and book chapters, both in Spanish and English.

Satomi Okagaki

Born in Tokyo, Japan. Ms. Okagaki is Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver since October 2022.

Before assuming this position, she worked as Senior Deputy Director, Global Health Strategy Division, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

At the Foreign Ministry, she was Director for Export Control Cooperation, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department, Senior Deputy Director for Global Issues Cooperation Division and Deputy Director for United Nations Policy Division, Foreign Policy Bureau among others.

Her overseas posts include Embassy of Japan in Canada and Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations in New York.

Ms. OKAGAKI received a MA degree in Social Studies from Graduate School, Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.