Science, Environment and Development Group

Other SED-related events in CID's Graduate Student Lunch Series

Friday, 31 October 2003
International Environmental Negotiation: Modeling the Future of Multilateral Diplomacy
Jonathan Margolis, Director, Office of Policy Coordination and Initiatives, Bureau of Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. State Department
11:45 am - 1:00 pm, Perkins Room (E-415), 4th Floor, Eliot Building, KSG (Map)
Lunch will be served

Biography:

Jonathan Margolis, a career member of the Senior Executive Service, serves as the Director of the Office of Policy Coordination and Initiatives in the Bureau of Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs in the Department of State and as U.S. Head of Delegation to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. The office provides overall policy guidance on international environmental issues and coordinates bilateral and regional aspects of the State Department's environmental and scientific activities and global environmental negotiations. The office is also responsible for leading the U.S. Government's efforts on the World Summit on Sustainable Development and its follow-up as well as the State Department's effort on transboundary water issues.

Prior to his current position, Margolis served as the Division Chief for the Middle East and Asia in the Office of Science and Technology Cooperation. In this capacity, he supervised a team of officers responsible for U.S. bilateral cooperation with such countries as Japan, China, India, Israel, Korea, and many others.

From 1991-1996, Margolis was integrally involved in the multilateral track of the Middle East peace process, representing the U.S. on economic, environment, and water-related issues, and promoting regional cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians, and Middle East countries as part of the peace process.

Margolis has a Ph.D. from Harvard University in Psychology focusing on negotiation and conflict resolution. He holds a Master's Degree from the Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy. His undergraduate degree is in Fine Arts from Harvard College. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at American University, and serves currently as an Adjunct Professor at the Foreign Service Institute.