Cristiana Mele is a career diplomat, with more than 20 years of experience. In her last assignment in Rome, she has been the Chair of the G20 Thematic Group on Food Security during the Italian Presidency of G20. She was also the focal point for the Food Security, Agriculture and Nutrition at the Directorate General for Development Cooperation from 2018 to 2021, gender equality focal point and vice head of unit for multilateral affairs and global strategies from 2018 to 2020.

From 2014 to 2018, she served as Chief of Staff to the Ambassador of Italy to the United Nations and later as Chief of the Sustainable Development and Environment Desk of the Italian Mission to the United Nations and delegate to the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly. She was appointed Vice Chair of the Second Committee for the 72nd UNGA.