Ruth Adler

Dr Ruth Adler is an Adjunct Researcher at the School of Law, University of Tasmania, with expertise in international negotiations (bilateral and multilateral), diplomatic tradecraft, and international climate law and policy. Her research focuses on climate finance governance, particularly the legitimacy of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in advancing the goals of the Paris Agreement. A former senior career officer of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), she served as Australian Ambassador to Ireland (2013–2016) and High Commissioner to Brunei (2006–2009), with notable roles in climate policy advising and leading negotiations for the Nagoya Protocol. She also directs the Centre for Political and Diplomatic Studies Asia-Pacific and is a Non-resident Research Fellow at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in the UAE.

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 1983, University of New South Wales
• Graduate Diploma of Foreign Affairs and Trade 1992, Australian National University
• Doctor of Philosophy (History and Politics) 1993, La Trobe University
• Graduate Certificate of Law 2018, Australian National University
• Doctor of Philosophy (Law) 2023, University of Tasmania

Ruth's research examines the intersection of climate finance, international law, and equitable governance. Her PhD thesis analyzed the GCF's role in aligning finance with low-emission pathways and its adherence to justice principles. Her work contributes to understanding how multilateral institutions can enhance legitimacy to improve global climate outcomes. She has facilitated professional development training for institutions like the ANU Diplomacy Forum and DFAT Diplomatic Academy, leveraging her extensive diplomatic experience in Latin America and fluency in Spanish.