In recognition of his service in the fight against climate change and in support of the British Presidency of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, Gonzalo Muñoz Abogabir has been honored by His Majesty with the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.
The co-founder of TriCiclos, Manuia Polkura and SistemaB, has played a fundamental role in promoting sustainability policies in the private sector in order to avoid greater impacts of climate change.
In 2019, the then Minister of the Environment, Carolina Schmidt, appointed him Champion of High-Level Climate Action for COP25, a position whose objective was mainly to coordinate the mobilization of non-governmental actors from around the world towards climate action in matters of of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing climate resilience and thus joining forces to implement the commitments of the Paris Agreement.
In this role, Gonzalo Muñoz worked closely with Nigel Topping, COP26 Champion, who will also receive an award from the Queen. Both, in conjunction with the United Nations, launched the Race to Zero, Race To Resilience and Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero campaigns (along with Mark Carney, former Bank of England Governor), global initiatives promoting business leadership, cities, regions and investors in pursuit of a sustainable, climate-resilient and carbon-neutral economy. The Race To Zero campaign currently brings together more than ten thousand organizations around the world, which represent more than 20% of global GDP, including some 140 Chilean ones.
The British Ambassador, Louise de Sousa, referring to this recognition, stated: “Gonzalo embodies the spirit of the distinctions that His Majesty grants: that of public service and that of generating a positive impact in the world. His work and the role he has played in recent years has been invaluable in the success of COP26. We look forward to continuing to work with Gonzalo to promote sustainability to combat the effects of climate change.”
Upon receiving the news of his distinction, Gonzalo Muñoz declared: “It is a true honor to receive this surprising distinction from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to become a member of an order that includes some historical personalities who have made enormous contributions to the welfare of humanity. That is why I would like to thank His Majesty, as well as the Chilean and British authorities who allowed me to serve in what I consider to be the most urgent of causes, the very serious climate crisis that already affects more than half of the world population. This honor is even greater when I receive it together with my great friend and co-Champion Nigel Topping, since it shows the value of the collaboration achieved between both governments, as well as extending this recognition to the wonderful team that we had the privilege of leading during the last two years; and in turn recognizes the effort made by our families and partners during these years of intense dedication”.
Every year on this date, the British government publishes the list of people who are distinguished with some recognition by Queen Elizabeth II, mostly British people who have stood out for their public service.
The decoration with the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George that Gonzalo Muñoz will receive, is considered to honor individuals who have fulfilled an important role of service in countries of the British Commonwealth of Nations or foreign nations.
