UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon has proposed a Mexican diplomat should be the new Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Patricia Espinosa could replace outgoing climate chief Christiana Figueres who announced she will step down from her role in July.

Mr Ki-moon will consult with the Bureau of the UNFCCC over the decision.

Ms Espinosa is currently Mexico’s ambassador to Germany and has previously served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs for six years in the cabinet of President Felipe Calderón.