Helen Clark
Prime Minister Helen Clark says New Zealand’s efforts to adapt to the global impact of climate change have been recognised with the United Nations Environment Programme “Champions of the Earth” award.
The UNEP has awarded the prize to Helen Clark and six other figures from regions around the world, in recognition of the government’s promotion of sustainability initiatives.
The UNEP said that “three major policy initiatives….are blazing new trails for sustainability and the fight against climate change: the Emissions Trading Scheme; the Energy Strategy; and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.”
Helen Clark said the Champion of the Earth Award was an honour.
“For New Zealand to become a truly sustainable nation, it requires government, business, and community to each take special responsibilities and pursue a common interest,” Helen Clark said.
“It is clearly the responsibility of government to give leadership. It reflects our belief that pursuing sustainability is not only the right thing to do, but is also a strategic investment in New Zealand’s overall future.
“Further sustainability initiatives will be unveiled by the government this year. We also look forward to hosting World Environment Day on June 5, which will focus on opportunities for countries, companies and communities to ‘kick the carbon habit’ and make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle,” Helen Clark said.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has been appointed as head of the United Nations Development Program.

The appointment follows a unanimous vote by the UN General Assembly yesterday.  Clark will take up the role by April 20, replacing current UNDP Administrator Kemal Dervis.
Helen Clark.
Clark is reportedly eager for the role, comparing it to winning her first election and becoming Prime Minister.  "I guess this is another of those moments," she said.  

The UNDP gives training and advice to developing countries to spur global development and to help them meet the Millennium Development Goals.  It has offices in 166 countries and an annual budget of around US$5 billion. Its Administrator is the third highest ranking member of the United Nations after the United Nations Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General.  

Clark has a long political career, having been first elected to Parliament in 1981.  She was New Zealand's first elected woman Prime Minister, serving for three terms between 1999 and 2008.  She became leader of the social-democratic New Zealand Labour Party in 1993, and led it until her defeat in the 2008 general election.  

She has previously held a number of Cabinet portfolios, including Health, Housing, Conservation, and Arts, Culture and Heritage.  In January 2008 Clark won the United Nations Environment Programme Champions of the Earth award in recognition of her government’s promotion of sustainability initiatives.  In January 2009 she was recognised by the ''New Zealand Herald'' as the Greatest Living New Zealander.

Clark's appointment is expected to lead to a by-election in her Mt Albert electorate.