Janez Potočnik brings the perspective of both a scientist and an economist to issues of resource use and the environment. As an academic economist, he led Slovenia’s negotiating team for accession to the European Union. He went on to serve two terms as European Commissioner, first for Science and Research and then for the Environment.  He is currently Co-Chair of the UNEP International Resource Panel, where he works with leading scientists to support countries in using natural resources sustainably without compromising economic growth and human development. He was awarded the United Nations Champions of the Earth Award in 2013.