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About
About
Introductory Remarks
Following the success of the first edition, held alongside the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, Portugal is committed to organize the II edition of the Sustainable Blue Economy Investment Forum (SBEIF) on the 4th of October.
This II edition of SBEIF pursues the previous objectives, aiming to mobilize economic agents and scaling up the financing tools to promote a sustainable blue economy, while raising awareness to innovative ocean action.
The ocean is a key driver for sustainable development in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the UN Agenda 2030, to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. Everyone without exception is called to be an active agent towards this goal. The organization of the II edition of the SBEIF is our commitment to sustainably develop a strong economic growth together with a healthy ocean, creating blue jobs and contributing to an equitable wealthy society.
The 10 principles of the UN Global Compact represent the commitment to human development, calling for a precautionary approach by companies towards environmental challenges, valuing prevention over reaction, in favor of an initial preventive and environmentally more effective and efficient behavior.
SBEIF 2023 takes place after the historic decision reached at COP 27, held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, which approved financial assistance for developing countries to finance losses and damages in areas affected by climate change. It was emphasized that the current global crisis cannot be a justification for deprioritizing climate action.
SBEIF 2023 calls everyone to be an active agent with inspiring and game-changing ideas.
Speakers
Speakers
Main Auditorium
António Costa
Prime Minister of Portugal
António Costa Silva
Minister of the Economy and Maritime Affairs of Portugal
António Costa Silva was born in Angola in 1952.
He has a degree in Mining Engineering from the Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute, a master’s degree in Petroleum from Imperial College (University of London), a PhD in Petrol Reserve Engineering from Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute and Imperial College.
He is professor emeritus at the Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute, where he also taught Planning and Integrated Management of Energy Resources.
Upon invitation of the Portuguese Government, in 2020 he drafted the Strategic Vision for Portugal’s Economic Recovery Plan for 2020-2030 and presided over the National Steering Committee for the Recovery and Resilience Programme since May 2021.
Chairman of the Partex Executive Committee from 2004 to 2021.
He was Director of Reservoir Engineering and Production at Beicip-Franlab, the corporate branch of the French Petroleum Institute (Paris, 2001-2003) and Executive Director of the Compagnie Géneral de Geophysique in Portugal (1998-2001). He began his professional career at Sonangol (Angola) in 1980, and from 1984 to 1997 he worked at the Portuguese Service Company.
Throughout his career, he was charged with coordinating several international energy projects, particularly the Middle East, Algeria, Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Angola.
He was selected in 2002 by the International Court of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce as the expert charged with solving the legal and technical dispute between two of the major oil companies in the world in an oil rig on the China sea.
Since 2018, he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Aveiro University; he was also Chairman of the Fuel Board of the regulator - ERSE, member of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Advisory Board and Chairman of the Water Initiative Advisory Board at Católica University in Lisbon.
He was member of the ISCTE- Lisbon University Institute Board of Trustees and the Advisory Board of the Gulbenkian Programme for Development Aid.
He was a guest speaker at international conferences on energy, energy and geopolitics, and has published several articles and papers in the fields of energy, strategy, geopolitics, and international relations.
António Costa Silva was born in Angola in 1952.
He has a degree in Mining Engineering from the Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute, a master’s degree in Petroleum from Imperial College (University of London), a PhD in Petrol Reserve Engineering from Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute and Imperial College.
He is professor emeritus at the Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute, where he also taught Planning and Integrated Management of Energy Resources.
Upon invitation of the Portuguese Government, in 2020 he drafted the Strategic Vision for Portugal’s Economic Recovery Plan for 2020-2030 and presided over the National Steering Committee for the Recovery and Resilience Programme since May 2021.
Chairman of the Partex Executive Committee from 2004 to 2021.
He was Director of Reservoir Engineering and Production at Beicip-Franlab, the corporate branch of the French Petroleum Institute (Paris, 2001-2003) and Executive Director of the Compagnie Géneral de Geophysique in Portugal (1998-2001). He began his professional career at Sonangol (Angola) in 1980, and from 1984 to 1997 he worked at the Portuguese Service Company.
Throughout his career, he was charged with coordinating several international energy projects, particularly the Middle East, Algeria, Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Angola.
He was selected in 2002 by the International Court of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce as the expert charged with solving the legal and technical dispute between two of the major oil companies in the world in an oil rig on the China sea.
Since 2018, he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Aveiro University; he was also Chairman of the Fuel Board of the regulator - ERSE, member of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Advisory Board and Chairman of the Water Initiative Advisory Board at Católica University in Lisbon.
He was member of the ISCTE- Lisbon University Institute Board of Trustees and the Advisory Board of the Gulbenkian Programme for Development Aid.
He was a guest speaker at international conferences on energy, energy and geopolitics, and has published several articles and papers in the fields of energy, strategy, geopolitics, and international relations.
Peter Thomson
UN Special Envoy for the Ocean
Ambassador Peter Thomson is the UNSG’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, in which role he leads global support for the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, to conserve and sustainably use the Ocean’s resources. He served as President of the UN General Assembly, 2016-17. He was Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the UN, 2010-2016, during which time he led the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS and was elected as President of the International Seabed Authority’s Assembly and Council. He is the founding Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action and is a supporting member of the High-Level Panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy.
Ambassador Peter Thomson is the UNSG’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, in which role he leads global support for the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, to conserve and sustainably use the Ocean’s resources. He served as President of the UN General Assembly, 2016-17. He was Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the UN, 2010-2016, during which time he led the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS and was elected as President of the International Seabed Authority’s Assembly and Council. He is the founding Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action and is a supporting member of the High-Level Panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy.
Hervé Berville
Secretary of State for the Sea (France)
Carlos Carreiras
Mayor of Cascais
He was vice-president of the Partido Social Democrata (PSD) between 2014 and 2016, vice-president of the Executive Committee of the Union of Portuguese Speaking Capital Cities (2017/2019), vice-president of Cascais City Council (2005/2011), president of the Congress and General Council of the National Association of Municipalities (2013/2017) and president of the Francisco Sá Carneiro Institute until March 2013.
He graduated from the Lisbon Institute of Accounting and Administration in 1987 and worked in Europe, South America and Africa in companies in the hospitality and mass consumption sectors until 2005. It was then that he felt the call of municipal politics.
Founder of the JSD and national leader of the PSD, Carlos Carreiras has been a strong advocate for public policies dedicated to the promotion of talent and entrepreneurship.
He has received several distinctions, such as the First Class National Defense Medal, awarded by the Minister of National Defense, the First Order of the Republic, awarded by the government of Moldova, and the National Medal of Merit, awarded by the government of Romania. Carlos Carreiras was also awarded the Medal of Recognition from AMI - Assistência Médica Internacional, in recognition of his support for the organization.
For his work in fighting the pandemic and for the vision of sustainable development applied to Cascais, Carlos Carreiras was nominated for the title of "World Mayor 2021".
Carlos Carreiras writes the weekly column "Com Vista para o Atlântico" in the "i" newspaper on Wednesdays.
He was born in Lisbon in 1961, but it wasn't long before he moved to Cascais, where he never left. He is married and the father of five daughters.
He was vice-president of the Partido Social Democrata (PSD) between 2014 and 2016, vice-president of the Executive Committee of the Union of Portuguese Speaking Capital Cities (2017/2019), vice-president of Cascais City Council (2005/2011), president of the Congress and General Council of the National Association of Municipalities (2013/2017) and president of the Francisco Sá Carneiro Institute until March 2013.
He graduated from the Lisbon Institute of Accounting and Administration in 1987 and worked in Europe, South America and Africa in companies in the hospitality and mass consumption sectors until 2005. It was then that he felt the call of municipal politics.
Founder of the JSD and national leader of the PSD, Carlos Carreiras has been a strong advocate for public policies dedicated to the promotion of talent and entrepreneurship.
He has received several distinctions, such as the First Class National Defense Medal, awarded by the Minister of National Defense, the First Order of the Republic, awarded by the government of Moldova, and the National Medal of Merit, awarded by the government of Romania. Carlos Carreiras was also awarded the Medal of Recognition from AMI - Assistência Médica Internacional, in recognition of his support for the organization.
For his work in fighting the pandemic and for the vision of sustainable development applied to Cascais, Carlos Carreiras was nominated for the title of "World Mayor 2021".
Carlos Carreiras writes the weekly column "Com Vista para o Atlântico" in the "i" newspaper on Wednesdays.
He was born in Lisbon in 1961, but it wasn't long before he moved to Cascais, where he never left. He is married and the father of five daughters.
Panel 1 - Ocean as a Clean Energy Source and a Sustainable Driver for World Trade
Pedro Amaral Jorge
CEO at APREN - The Portuguese Renewable Energy Association
Pedro Amaral Jorge graduated in Mechanical Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico, and also has an MBA with focus on Finance and Operations, from IESE / AESE.
In his previous professional experience, he worked as a specialist in structuring and financing projects for the African Development Bank (AfDB), in the areas of Infrastructure, Energy and Water and Sanitation.
In addition to his career, Pedro Amaral Jorge also has a history of developing projects for public service concessions and BOT (Build Operate and Transfer) as well as financing, planning, construction and management, accumulating more than 20 years of international experience, having worked and lived in different markets, especially in Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.
He has a total of 25 years of professional experience in top management positions in companies such as Mitsubishi / METITO Utilities, Indaqua / Mota-Engil Group, SACYR / SOMAGUE and IDOM.
He joined APREN in December 2018, serving as CEO.
Pedro Amaral Jorge graduated in Mechanical Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico, and also has an MBA with focus on Finance and Operations, from IESE / AESE.
In his previous professional experience, he worked as a specialist in structuring and financing projects for the African Development Bank (AfDB), in the areas of Infrastructure, Energy and Water and Sanitation.
In addition to his career, Pedro Amaral Jorge also has a history of developing projects for public service concessions and BOT (Build Operate and Transfer) as well as financing, planning, construction and management, accumulating more than 20 years of international experience, having worked and lived in different markets, especially in Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.
He has a total of 25 years of professional experience in top management positions in companies such as Mitsubishi / METITO Utilities, Indaqua / Mota-Engil Group, SACYR / SOMAGUE and IDOM.
He joined APREN in December 2018, serving as CEO.
Maja Markovčić Kostelac
Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency
Ms Maja Markovčić Kostelac took up the position of Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on 1 January 2019. She is responsible for the running and development of the Agency under the oversight of its Administrative Board.
Starting out as a maritime lawyer, she has subsequently gained long-standing experience in the maritime field in both the public and private sector.
Prior to joining EMSA, Ms Markovčić Kostelac was State Secretary for Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure. Her duties entailed developing strategies, policies and legislation in the area of maritime transport, maritime safety, security and environmental protection. In this role, she also led the Croatian delegation in a range of international forums at the United Nations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
During her time at Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure she held a number of positions, including Director of the Maritime Policy Directorate. She also served as Director of the Croatian Shipowners’ Association (Mare Nostrum).
Since joining EMSA, Ms Markovčić Kostelac has established the Agency’s five-year strategy (2020-2024) and organises its implementation. She has led EMSA’s work on a range of strategic and operational issues, including the maritime dimension of the European Green Deal, the development of enhanced digital solutions for national level administrations and relevant authorities, and the provision of support at international level to the European Commission and Member States at the IMO.
Ms Maja Markovčić Kostelac took up the position of Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on 1 January 2019. She is responsible for the running and development of the Agency under the oversight of its Administrative Board.
Starting out as a maritime lawyer, she has subsequently gained long-standing experience in the maritime field in both the public and private sector.
Prior to joining EMSA, Ms Markovčić Kostelac was State Secretary for Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure. Her duties entailed developing strategies, policies and legislation in the area of maritime transport, maritime safety, security and environmental protection. In this role, she also led the Croatian delegation in a range of international forums at the United Nations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
During her time at Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure she held a number of positions, including Director of the Maritime Policy Directorate. She also served as Director of the Croatian Shipowners’ Association (Mare Nostrum).
Since joining EMSA, Ms Markovčić Kostelac has established the Agency’s five-year strategy (2020-2024) and organises its implementation. She has led EMSA’s work on a range of strategic and operational issues, including the maritime dimension of the European Green Deal, the development of enhanced digital solutions for national level administrations and relevant authorities, and the provision of support at international level to the European Commission and Member States at the IMO.
Tor Arne Johnsen
EU Advisor, Norwegian Offshore Wind Cluster
Tor Arne Johnsen is working as EU Advisor for Norwegian Offshore Wind, the largest industrial cluster in Norway. He is in charge of EU policy in the cluster and covers also several of the European markets in the cluster such as Portugal, Spain, UK, Ireland, Italy, Sweden and Greece.
He is a member in the advisory committee on offshore wind for the Greek Government.
He has previously worked for Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry and has also been CEO for an EU Consultancy firm in Brussels.
Mr. Johnsen has a master’s degree in Economics from University of Oslo.
Tor Arne Johnsen is working as EU Advisor for Norwegian Offshore Wind, the largest industrial cluster in Norway. He is in charge of EU policy in the cluster and covers also several of the European markets in the cluster such as Portugal, Spain, UK, Ireland, Italy, Sweden and Greece.
He is a member in the advisory committee on offshore wind for the Greek Government.
He has previously worked for Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry and has also been CEO for an EU Consultancy firm in Brussels.
Mr. Johnsen has a master’s degree in Economics from University of Oslo.
Roland Roesch
Director, Innovation and Technology Center, IRENA
Dr. Roland Roesch has been Director at the Innovation and Technology Center (IITC) in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) since June 2023. In this role, he oversees the agency's work on advising member countries on energy scenarios and planning, power sector transformation, renewable generation, cost and markets, technology status and innovation outlooks, and project development guidelines. Before becoming Director, he served as IITC Deputy Director from 2018.
Roland joined IRENA in 2012 and has worked in multiple work programs since. For two years prior to joining IRENA, Roland had been Professor for Energy Economics at the University of Applied Science in Damstadt. Previously, he worked for 15 years in the oil and gas and utilities industries for Shell and E.ON, latterly as General Manager Power with Shell and as Head of Division, Project Leader, Project Executive and Technical Project Developer with E.ON. Previously, he worked as an Energy Market Consultant for Lahmeyer International and as a researcher in renewable energy. Roland has solid business experience in energy markets, energy economics and strategies, renewable integration management, energy project development and project financing.
Dr. Roland Roesch has been Director at the Innovation and Technology Center (IITC) in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) since June 2023. In this role, he oversees the agency's work on advising member countries on energy scenarios and planning, power sector transformation, renewable generation, cost and markets, technology status and innovation outlooks, and project development guidelines. Before becoming Director, he served as IITC Deputy Director from 2018.
Roland joined IRENA in 2012 and has worked in multiple work programs since. For two years prior to joining IRENA, Roland had been Professor for Energy Economics at the University of Applied Science in Damstadt. Previously, he worked for 15 years in the oil and gas and utilities industries for Shell and E.ON, latterly as General Manager Power with Shell and as Head of Division, Project Leader, Project Executive and Technical Project Developer with E.ON. Previously, he worked as an Energy Market Consultant for Lahmeyer International and as a researcher in renewable energy. Roland has solid business experience in energy markets, energy economics and strategies, renewable integration management, energy project development and project financing.
Arsenio Dominguez Velasco
Director of the Marine Environment Division of International Maritime Organization
Mr. Dominguez currently serves as Director, Marine Environment Division of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), having served previously as Director, Administrative Division and Chief of Staff. Before joining IMO in July 2017, Mr. Dominguez worked for the Panama Maritime Authority starting in 1998 as Head of the Regional Technical and Documentation Office for Europe and North Africa, and as Alternate Representative and Technical Adviser of Panama to IMO from 2004 to 2014. In July 2014 he was appointed Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Panama to IMO.
From 1998 to 2017, Mr Dominguez represented Panama at IMO, as well as at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds) and the International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO). He also represented Panama at several shipping conferences, forums, exhibitions, seminars and workshops.
Having chaired a number of meetings at international organisations, Mr. Dominguez was elected Chair of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) from 2014 to 2017, having previously served as Vice-chair from 2012 to 2013. He was also elected Chair of the Technical Committee at the 29th IMO Assembly in 2015, Chair of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Working Group on Maritime Security and Piracy from 2010 to 2014, and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee of Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC) from 2009 to 2011.
Mr. Dominguez holds a Naval Architect degree from Veracruzana University, Mexico; an MBA in Management from the University of Hull, and a Certificate of Higher Education in International Law and European Politics from Birkbeck University, both in London, England.
On 18 July 2023, Mr Dominguez was elected as the 10th Secretary-General of the IMO at the 129th session of the Council of the Organization, with effect from 1 January 2024, subject to the Assembly’s approval, for an initial period of four years from 2024 to 2027.
Mr. Dominguez currently serves as Director, Marine Environment Division of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), having served previously as Director, Administrative Division and Chief of Staff. Before joining IMO in July 2017, Mr. Dominguez worked for the Panama Maritime Authority starting in 1998 as Head of the Regional Technical and Documentation Office for Europe and North Africa, and as Alternate Representative and Technical Adviser of Panama to IMO from 2004 to 2014. In July 2014 he was appointed Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Panama to IMO.
From 1998 to 2017, Mr Dominguez represented Panama at IMO, as well as at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds) and the International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO). He also represented Panama at several shipping conferences, forums, exhibitions, seminars and workshops.
Having chaired a number of meetings at international organisations, Mr. Dominguez was elected Chair of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) from 2014 to 2017, having previously served as Vice-chair from 2012 to 2013. He was also elected Chair of the Technical Committee at the 29th IMO Assembly in 2015, Chair of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Working Group on Maritime Security and Piracy from 2010 to 2014, and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee of Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC) from 2009 to 2011.
Mr. Dominguez holds a Naval Architect degree from Veracruzana University, Mexico; an MBA in Management from the University of Hull, and a Certificate of Higher Education in International Law and European Politics from Birkbeck University, both in London, England.
On 18 July 2023, Mr Dominguez was elected as the 10th Secretary-General of the IMO at the 129th session of the Council of the Organization, with effect from 1 January 2024, subject to the Assembly’s approval, for an initial period of four years from 2024 to 2027.
Pierre Tardieu
Chief Policy Officer at WindEurope
He leads WindEurope’s Policy Department covering advocacy, innovation, market intelligence and stakeholder engagement. Pierre also co-manages the Renewable Hydrogen Coalition, the Energy Storage Coalition and RE-Source. He joined WindEurope in 2011 and has a decade and a half of experience in European Climate and Energy policy. Pierre holds degrees from College of Europe, Paris Catholic Institute and Strasbourg Institute of Political Science.
WindEurope is the voice of the wind industry, actively promoting wind energy across Europe. It gathers over 500 members from across the wind energy value chain: wind turbine manufacturers, component suppliers, power utilities and wind farm developers, financial institutions, research institutes and national wind energy associations.
He leads WindEurope’s Policy Department covering advocacy, innovation, market intelligence and stakeholder engagement. Pierre also co-manages the Renewable Hydrogen Coalition, the Energy Storage Coalition and RE-Source. He joined WindEurope in 2011 and has a decade and a half of experience in European Climate and Energy policy. Pierre holds degrees from College of Europe, Paris Catholic Institute and Strasbourg Institute of Political Science.
WindEurope is the voice of the wind industry, actively promoting wind energy across Europe. It gathers over 500 members from across the wind energy value chain: wind turbine manufacturers, component suppliers, power utilities and wind farm developers, financial institutions, research institutes and national wind energy associations.
Panel 2 - Ocean as a Catalyst for the Bioeconomy
Paloma Avila
Director Future of CNN Chile
Paloma Avila is a journalist with 19 years of experience in audiovisual production, television, content development, strategic communication, and scientific dissemination. She is graduate in social communication from the Universidad Catílica of Chile
She worked in the independent audiovisual sector for 7 years as the commercial director of Nueva Imagen and director of the project development department.
She had led teams and managed audiovisual projects for TV, from idea development to on-air release, participating in creative processes, scripting, budgeting, sales, and production.
She was an Executive Producer for films such as "Balmaceda" and "Portales" in the bicentennial series for Canal 13, "Heroes: La Gloria Tiene su Precio"; documentary series like "Grandes Chilenos" in episodes about Gabriela Mistral and Manuel Rodríguez, and children's series like "Cantando Aprendo a Hablar" during her time in independent production.
At VTR, she was involved in creating their foundation focused on quality content development and promotion of regional television. She developed documentary series such us "Kulmapu," "Kulrapa," "Por la Razón y la Ciencia," "Liga de Emprendedores," regional news programs like "Panorama Chile," and children's animation series like "Locos Lab."
Currently, Paloma Avila is the Deputy Director of the Future Department at CNN Chile, overseeing programs such as "Futuro 360," "Divergentes," "Minería 360," "Sana Mente," and serving as the Director of Content and Transmission for Congreso Futuro.
Interested in developing innovative work models and original content that serves a purpose and are a contribution, Paloma Avila has a strong orientation towards teamwork and the development of stimulating work environments that inspire people.
Paloma Avila is a journalist with 19 years of experience in audiovisual production, television, content development, strategic communication, and scientific dissemination. She is graduate in social communication from the Universidad Catílica of Chile
She worked in the independent audiovisual sector for 7 years as the commercial director of Nueva Imagen and director of the project development department.
She had led teams and managed audiovisual projects for TV, from idea development to on-air release, participating in creative processes, scripting, budgeting, sales, and production.
She was an Executive Producer for films such as "Balmaceda" and "Portales" in the bicentennial series for Canal 13, "Heroes: La Gloria Tiene su Precio"; documentary series like "Grandes Chilenos" in episodes about Gabriela Mistral and Manuel Rodríguez, and children's series like "Cantando Aprendo a Hablar" during her time in independent production.
At VTR, she was involved in creating their foundation focused on quality content development and promotion of regional television. She developed documentary series such us "Kulmapu," "Kulrapa," "Por la Razón y la Ciencia," "Liga de Emprendedores," regional news programs like "Panorama Chile," and children's animation series like "Locos Lab."
Currently, Paloma Avila is the Deputy Director of the Future Department at CNN Chile, overseeing programs such as "Futuro 360," "Divergentes," "Minería 360," "Sana Mente," and serving as the Director of Content and Transmission for Congreso Futuro.
Interested in developing innovative work models and original content that serves a purpose and are a contribution, Paloma Avila has a strong orientation towards teamwork and the development of stimulating work environments that inspire people.
Carmen Van-Dúnem Neto dos Santos
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Angola
Carmen Van-Dúnem Neto dos Santos has a degree in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of the Agostinho Neto University and a PhD in Marine Biology and Aquaculture from the University of Lisbon, Portugal.
She has professional qualifications in Marine Space Planning (Blue Print), Germany and in Principles and Practices of Management and Planning of the Coastal Zone by Universidade Nova de Lisboa and Universidade Agostinho Neto.
She was Coordinator of the Installation Committee of the University of Namibe (2020/2022); Coordinator of the Installation Committee of the Namibe Fisheries Academy (2017/2020); National Director of Graduate Training (Higher Education) (2013/2017) and National Director of the Higher Education Assessment and Accreditation Institute (2012).
Carmen Van-Dúnem Neto dos Santos has been Full Professor from 1988 and the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Angola.
In addition, she is also Principal Investigator in several national and international projects; Coordinator for Angola of the CPLP Energy and Climate Forum and presenter of the “Hora de Agir” programme.
Carmen Van-Dúnem Neto dos Santos has a degree in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of the Agostinho Neto University and a PhD in Marine Biology and Aquaculture from the University of Lisbon, Portugal.
She has professional qualifications in Marine Space Planning (Blue Print), Germany and in Principles and Practices of Management and Planning of the Coastal Zone by Universidade Nova de Lisboa and Universidade Agostinho Neto.
She was Coordinator of the Installation Committee of the University of Namibe (2020/2022); Coordinator of the Installation Committee of the Namibe Fisheries Academy (2017/2020); National Director of Graduate Training (Higher Education) (2013/2017) and National Director of the Higher Education Assessment and Accreditation Institute (2012).
Carmen Van-Dúnem Neto dos Santos has been Full Professor from 1988 and the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Angola.
In addition, she is also Principal Investigator in several national and international projects; Coordinator for Angola of the CPLP Energy and Climate Forum and presenter of the “Hora de Agir” programme.
Kendra MacDonald
Chief Executive Officer
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Kendra MacDonald is the CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, responsible for the accelerated development and commercialization of innovation that will solve some of the world’s biggest challenges in ocean. Kendra is leading the change in the culture of doing business in ocean from coast-to-coast-to-coast, increasing collaboration across ocean sectors and growing Canada’s ocean economy in a digital, sustainable, and inclusive way. In recognition of her leadership in building the Ocean Supercluster from the ground up, Kendra has named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine for the last two years and one of Canada’s Top Sustainability Leaders by Clean50 in 2022.
Prior to leading Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Kendra was a Partner in Deloitte's Risk Advisory practice and the Chief Audit Executive of Deloitte Global.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Kendra MacDonald is the CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, responsible for the accelerated development and commercialization of innovation that will solve some of the world’s biggest challenges in ocean. Kendra is leading the change in the culture of doing business in ocean from coast-to-coast-to-coast, increasing collaboration across ocean sectors and growing Canada’s ocean economy in a digital, sustainable, and inclusive way. In recognition of her leadership in building the Ocean Supercluster from the ground up, Kendra has named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine for the last two years and one of Canada’s Top Sustainability Leaders by Clean50 in 2022.
Prior to leading Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Kendra was a Partner in Deloitte's Risk Advisory practice and the Chief Audit Executive of Deloitte Global.
José Soares dos Santos
Fundação Oceano Azul President
Graduated in Marine Biology from Lisbon Classic University, in 1986, with executive education at IMD (1995) and Harvard (1997), and Alumni Member of Stanford (2000). Executive President of Sociedade Francisco Manuel dos Santos B.V., the main shareholder of Jerónimo Martins, SGPS, S.A., since its establishment in 2012. Member of the Board of Directors of Jerónimo Martins SGPS, S.A. from 1995 to 2001 and from 2004 to 2015. He is a Non-Executive Director of the Company since April 2019.
Chairman of Unilever Fima, Lda., Gallo Worldwide, Lda., JMDB Representação e Distribuição de Marcas Lda. and miMed, Cuidados de Saúde S.A.
Chairman of Movendo Capital B.V., since 2017.
Since May 2020, he is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, of which he was a Board Member from 2009 to 2018.
Since September 2015, he is the Chairman of Oceanário de Lisboa, S.A., and, since December 2016, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Oceano Azul Foundation.
Graduated in Marine Biology from Lisbon Classic University, in 1986, with executive education at IMD (1995) and Harvard (1997), and Alumni Member of Stanford (2000). Executive President of Sociedade Francisco Manuel dos Santos B.V., the main shareholder of Jerónimo Martins, SGPS, S.A., since its establishment in 2012. Member of the Board of Directors of Jerónimo Martins SGPS, S.A. from 1995 to 2001 and from 2004 to 2015. He is a Non-Executive Director of the Company since April 2019.
Chairman of Unilever Fima, Lda., Gallo Worldwide, Lda., JMDB Representação e Distribuição de Marcas Lda. and miMed, Cuidados de Saúde S.A.
Chairman of Movendo Capital B.V., since 2017.
Since May 2020, he is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, of which he was a Board Member from 2009 to 2018.
Since September 2015, he is the Chairman of Oceanário de Lisboa, S.A., and, since December 2016, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Oceano Azul Foundation.
Markus Müller
Chief Investment Officer ESG & Global Head of Chief Investment Office
Deutsche Bank - Private Bank
Markus H.-P. Müller main research focus lie in the structural transformation of economies and societies as well as in the area of sustainability. Markus authored several books and articles on the transformation of society and economies and is a columnist for the Global Policy Journal at Durham University. Markus is currently Global Head of the Chief Investment Office of the Private Bank, Deutsche Bank AG. In June 2022 he took over the role of Chief Investment Officer ESG in addition to his current function.
Markus began his career at Deutsche Bank in DB Research as executive assistant to the chief economist. During his studies at Münster University in Germany, he acquired broad international experience with focus on China, later working as an Economist at Allianz Life Insurance in Shanghai. Markus has held teaching posts in corporate finance and economics, being a visiting scholar at the Frankfurt School of Finance and the University of Bayreuth as well as at the Banking and Finance Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
In January 2019 Markus H.-P. Müller published his first book under the title „Neo-Ordoliberalismus – Zukunftsmodell für die Soziale Marktwirtschaft“ at Springer-Gabler. His recent book he published in May 2021 under the title “Deutschland und China zwischen Kooperation und Konkurrenz”. In 2023 he will publish his new book on India on its transformation to a post-industrial economy.
Deutsche Bank - Private Bank
Markus H.-P. Müller main research focus lie in the structural transformation of economies and societies as well as in the area of sustainability. Markus authored several books and articles on the transformation of society and economies and is a columnist for the Global Policy Journal at Durham University. Markus is currently Global Head of the Chief Investment Office of the Private Bank, Deutsche Bank AG. In June 2022 he took over the role of Chief Investment Officer ESG in addition to his current function.
Markus began his career at Deutsche Bank in DB Research as executive assistant to the chief economist. During his studies at Münster University in Germany, he acquired broad international experience with focus on China, later working as an Economist at Allianz Life Insurance in Shanghai. Markus has held teaching posts in corporate finance and economics, being a visiting scholar at the Frankfurt School of Finance and the University of Bayreuth as well as at the Banking and Finance Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
In January 2019 Markus H.-P. Müller published his first book under the title „Neo-Ordoliberalismus – Zukunftsmodell für die Soziale Marktwirtschaft“ at Springer-Gabler. His recent book he published in May 2021 under the title “Deutschland und China zwischen Kooperation und Konkurrenz”. In 2023 he will publish his new book on India on its transformation to a post-industrial economy.
Jukka Kantola
Founder – the World BioEconomy Forum
Jukka Kantola has broad experience of the bioeconomy related industries. He has held various executive positions in Europe and in Asia. Hence, he has a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities of these economies. Jukka is well-known in the bioeconomy space and he is a passionate advocator of the circular bioeconomy.
Through his companies he has advanced on the versatile valorisation of biomass for innovative applications. He has played an active role in advocating the bioeconomy in practice.
In the past years he has been involved in facilitating new biorefinery ventures, a relatively new phenomenon in the industry. He has also founded the World BioEconomy Forum in 2018, which has become one of the major platforms for the circular bioeconomy.
Jukka holds a Master of Science degree from Aalto University, Finland. He also holds an eMBA from Rutgers University. Jukka is married with three sons.
Jukka Kantola has broad experience of the bioeconomy related industries. He has held various executive positions in Europe and in Asia. Hence, he has a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities of these economies. Jukka is well-known in the bioeconomy space and he is a passionate advocator of the circular bioeconomy.
Through his companies he has advanced on the versatile valorisation of biomass for innovative applications. He has played an active role in advocating the bioeconomy in practice.
In the past years he has been involved in facilitating new biorefinery ventures, a relatively new phenomenon in the industry. He has also founded the World BioEconomy Forum in 2018, which has become one of the major platforms for the circular bioeconomy.
Jukka holds a Master of Science degree from Aalto University, Finland. He also holds an eMBA from Rutgers University. Jukka is married with three sons.
Panel 3 - Ocean as a Data and Energy Highway
Brian Helmuth
Professor of marine and environmental sciences at School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs
Brian Helmuth is a Professor at the Marine Science Center at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, with appointments in the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences and the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs.
Dr. Helmuth’s research and teaching focus on ecological forecasting in coastal ecosystems including coral reefs, with the goal of informing policy and conservation.
He is Chief Scientist for Fabien Cousteau’s Proteus underwater habitat, envisioned as the International Space Station of the seafloor.
He currently serves as an author on the 5th US National Climate Assessment and is a member of the U.S. National Sea Grant Advisory board.
Brian Helmuth is a Professor at the Marine Science Center at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, with appointments in the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences and the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs.
Dr. Helmuth’s research and teaching focus on ecological forecasting in coastal ecosystems including coral reefs, with the goal of informing policy and conservation.
He is Chief Scientist for Fabien Cousteau’s Proteus underwater habitat, envisioned as the International Space Station of the seafloor.
He currently serves as an author on the 5th US National Climate Assessment and is a member of the U.S. National Sea Grant Advisory board.
José Barros
Senior Consultant for International Connectivity and Submarine Cables
Degree in telecommunications and electronics engineering from IST, Lisbon in 1983. Post graduations in management and leadership.
Jose Barros performed International Network Planning and Provisioning Managing functions at CPR Marconi during 1984-2002.
At Portugal Telecom during 2002-2003, José Barros was responsible for the International Network Administration.
At ANACOM, José Barros served as Director of External Relations Department during 2003-2020, and as Senior Consultant for International Connectivity and Submarine Cables during-2020-2023.
Jose Baros currently develops independent consultancy activities in International Connectivity and Submarine Cables, particularly on the use of the latter for environmental and seismic detection at the service of Science and Society.
Degree in telecommunications and electronics engineering from IST, Lisbon in 1983. Post graduations in management and leadership.
Jose Barros performed International Network Planning and Provisioning Managing functions at CPR Marconi during 1984-2002.
At Portugal Telecom during 2002-2003, José Barros was responsible for the International Network Administration.
At ANACOM, José Barros served as Director of External Relations Department during 2003-2020, and as Senior Consultant for International Connectivity and Submarine Cables during-2020-2023.
Jose Baros currently develops independent consultancy activities in International Connectivity and Submarine Cables, particularly on the use of the latter for environmental and seismic detection at the service of Science and Society.
Bruce Howe
Chair of the international JTF SMART Cable initiative
Dr. Howe leads the Joint Task Force (JTF) SMART Cable initiative, (Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications) to incorporate sensors into the global submarine telecommunication cable system for climate, ocean circulation and sea level monitoring and tsunami and earthquake warning.
Dr. Howe develops ocean observing infrastructure, including cable systems. Projects have included basin-scale acoustic thermometry and planning, development, and operation of cabled observatories. His long-term goals are to integrate multi-purpose systems in ocean observing for ocean-basin scale acoustic positioning, communications, timing, and tomography, and to develop the (largely cabled) infrastructure to support this.
After obtaining engineering and oceanography degrees at Stanford University and the University of California at San Diego, Dr. Howe worked at the Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington 1987-2008, and is now at the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering.
Dr. Howe leads the Joint Task Force (JTF) SMART Cable initiative, (Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications) to incorporate sensors into the global submarine telecommunication cable system for climate, ocean circulation and sea level monitoring and tsunami and earthquake warning.
Dr. Howe develops ocean observing infrastructure, including cable systems. Projects have included basin-scale acoustic thermometry and planning, development, and operation of cabled observatories. His long-term goals are to integrate multi-purpose systems in ocean observing for ocean-basin scale acoustic positioning, communications, timing, and tomography, and to develop the (largely cabled) infrastructure to support this.
After obtaining engineering and oceanography degrees at Stanford University and the University of California at San Diego, Dr. Howe worked at the Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington 1987-2008, and is now at the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering.
Philippe Dumont
CEO of EllaLink
Philippe Dumont is a member of ‘2020 Capacity Power 100’ an elite group of the most influential people of the wholesale carrier community. He is a CEO with over 25 years of international experience in the Telecoms industry. His strong leadership style is supplemented with an entrepreneurial attitude and long term vision.
Philippe was President & CEO of ASN (Alcatel Lucent Submarine Networks), a worldwide leader for turnkey telecoms submarine cable systems, for 6 years and has also served for 5 years as President of the Wireless Transmission activities at Alcatel Lucent.
He is currently the CEO of EllaLink, a €180m project that has been designed to satisfy the growing traffic demand between Europe and Latin America. The system will offer the first ever large scale, direct fibre route between the two continents, bypassing the congested routes of the North Atlantic.
Philippe Dumont is a member of ‘2020 Capacity Power 100’ an elite group of the most influential people of the wholesale carrier community. He is a CEO with over 25 years of international experience in the Telecoms industry. His strong leadership style is supplemented with an entrepreneurial attitude and long term vision.
Philippe was President & CEO of ASN (Alcatel Lucent Submarine Networks), a worldwide leader for turnkey telecoms submarine cable systems, for 6 years and has also served for 5 years as President of the Wireless Transmission activities at Alcatel Lucent.
He is currently the CEO of EllaLink, a €180m project that has been designed to satisfy the growing traffic demand between Europe and Latin America. The system will offer the first ever large scale, direct fibre route between the two continents, bypassing the congested routes of the North Atlantic.