CIPSEM alumna Maria Jose Iturbide was appointed as Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of Guatemala on 14 January 2024. She is now responsible for participatively formulating and executing the policies for the conservation, protection, and improvement of the environment and natural resources.  She will also oversee the improvement and modernization of the management of protected areas and contribute to the development and conservation of the country's natural heritage. 

Her success story is proudly acknowledged by the Centre for International Postgraduate Studies of Environmental Management (CIPSEM) at TUD Dresden University of Technology. As a participant in the 88th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Short Course on Nature-based Solutions to Emerging Water Challenges, during four weeks alongside 20 other participants from a total of 20 countries, she deepened her professional knowledge on how nature-based solutions can help address many different environmental risks in urban and rural territories especially related to water challenges, while providing additional benefits for health, well-being and economies.  

“During the course, Maria’s expertise and leadership skills were evident, as well as her cordial personality. That’s why she was also selected as one of the spokespersons of the course,“ Dominique Schmachtel and Patrícia Gallo, the coordinators of this course, say. “We look forward to witnessing the positive impact Maria will undoubtedly make in her new role.” 

© Christin Nitzsche / CIPSEM

The UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV course program, funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, has been running for 47 years. The overarching goal of the course program is to significantly accelerate the transformation process towards sustainable development, in line with the 2030 Agenda and a vibrant global partnership, as all states and stakeholders share a common responsibility.  The program also aims to sustainably strengthen Germany's bilateral environmental relations with countries in the Global South, as all parties benefit from the exchange of information. 

Three to four courses are held each year, inviting 21 young professionals – primarily decision-makers from public administrations but also from non-governmental organizations and research institutions. 

The impact of the program on the professional and personal development of participants is assessed through follow-up studies. Alumni frequently report on their personal and professional successes, as well as the challenges they face in implementing the course content in their home countries. A recently conducted alumni survey of participants from 2013 shows that 93.3% of the alumni have been promoted or took on a new position due to the knowledge and skills acquired during the course. 

The appointment of Maria Jose Iturbide as Guatemala's Minister of the Environment is one of the success stories of the course program and illustrates how TUD Dresden University of Technology and its project partners are contributing to a more sustainable development through education. 

Contact: 
Dr. Anna Görner 
Tel. +49 351 463-41441 / -82010 
Email: anna.goerner@tu-dresden.de