Previous Fora / 2011
BRITO, Lidia
Director, Division of Science Policy and Sustainable Development, UNESCO
Lidia Brito holds a undergraduate degree in Forest Engineering by Eduardo Mondlane University (Mozambique) and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Forest Sciences from Colorado State University (USA). As the first Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Mozambique (2000 – 2005) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Eduardo Mondlane University (1998-2000) she accumulated extensive experience in the fields of Higher Education, Science and Technology, ICT and innovation policies and programs. In the last year and half Lidia Brito has served as the Advisor of the Mayor of Maputo for Strategic Planning and External Relations.
She has more then twenty years working experience in the field of Forestry, Traditional energy (Biomass and charcoal), Wood Science and Technology as a University lecturer, researcher and consultant for Eduardo Mondlane University and other national and international institutions, combining academic with hands-on experience in promoting sustainable development, and community–based management and community development both in Mozambique and in Africa in general.
Extensive diverse experience working with local, national, and international organizations mainly in technical expertise and political support in good governance issues, energy, higher education, science and technology, ICT and their impact on social development. She has served as member of many boards, such as the IHE-UNESCO Governing Board (on going), Unesco-NEPAD High Level group; United Nations University Council (on going), of the Advisory Board of the Community Development Carbon Fund, Steering Committee for the program on Sustainable Management of Forests in Africa (on going) and Board of Directors of the Development Gateway Foundation, and recently Member of the Board of Trustees for SciDev and member of the review panel for ESSP.
She has participated in several Congresses and World Summits, and has presented keynote addresses and papers related to development issues and other associated subjects.