Erik Solheim is a Norwegian diplomat, environmental leader and former politician best known for advancing global sustainability and green development agendas. He served as Norway’s Minister of International Development (2005–2007) and later held the combined portfolio of Minister of the Environment and International Development (2007–2012). From 2016 to 2018, he served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), where he championed international action on climate change, pollution reduction and sustainable development. He has also played a significant role in peace diplomacy, notably contributing to the Sri Lankan peace process. Today, he remains an influential global voice on environmental policy, green growth and international cooperation, serving in advisory and leadership roles with several sustainability-focused organizations.
He brings a distinguished global perspective on sustainability, climate policy and international development, helping CRF strengthen its work on environmental stewardship, energy transitions and India's role in shaping global governance frameworks.