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Sofia Santos
Sustainable & Climate Finance Expert - EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst
Professional Background
Sofia Santos is a highly accomplished consultant and the founder of SystemicSphere, a consultancy firm dedicated to advancing sustainable management practices, particularly in the areas of sustainable finance, climate finance, ESG risk, and sustainable investor relations. With over 23 years of professional experience across major cities such as London and Lisbon, Sofia has built an exemplary career that reflects her commitment to promoting sustainability in economic practices. Her journey began in 1997 at Merrill Lynch Bank in London, where she was an integral part of the research department, providing valuable insights and analyses before returning to her native Portugal at the turn of the millennium.
Upon returning to Portugal, Sofia embraced a diverse career path that included roles in NGOs, news agencies, and the National Statistics Institute. Her extensive experience in the economic landscape of Portugal was further solidified when she joined the Pulp and Paper Industry Association in 2001, where she contributed to the industry's development landscape. In 2004, she took a significant step by co-founding Sustentare Lda, a boutique consultancy that focused on helping Portuguese companies develop their sustainability strategies and produce their first sustainability reports. Among her impressive list of clients were four of the largest banks in Portugal, showcasing her expertise in sustainable finance.
Sofia's work extended beyond Portugal, as she contributed to sustainable finance initiatives in Cabo Verde and sustainability strategies in Angola between 2012 and 2015. Her leadership skills were recognized when she served as the Secretary General at the Portuguese Business Council for Sustainable Development from January 2016 to June 2018. This position allowed her to drive significant initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability among Portuguese businesses.
From July to October 2018, she worked as a freelance consultant, applying her expertise to projects centered on circular economy, sustainable energy, and climate finance. Her role as an advisor on sustainable finance at the Cabinet of the Portuguese Ministry of Environment and Energy Transition from November 2018 to April 2019 marked another highlight in her career. She played a pivotal role in coordinating the "Portuguese Think Tank Group on Sustainable Finance," collaborating with 17 financial institutions, including nine banks, to commit to sustainable finance through the "Letter of Commitment for Sustainable Finance in Portugal."
In addition to her consulting work, Sofia is a dedicated academic, teaching at three prestigious Portuguese universities, including Nova SBE, ISEG, and Porto Business School. Her commitment to education fosters the next generation of economists and sustainability experts, enriching their knowledge and capabilities in these essential areas.
Education and Achievements
Sofia Santos boasts an impressive educational background that has laid the foundation for her expert knowledge and capabilities in economics and sustainability. She holds a four-year undergraduate degree in Economics from ISEG in Portugal, completed in 1997. Following this, she pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s Degree in Economics from London University in 1999, and subsequently attained a Doctorate from Middlesex University in England in 2012. Her doctoral research specifically looked into how banks can contribute to sustainable development, demonstrating her dedication to this crucial intersection of finance and sustainability.
Throughout her career, Sofia has further enhanced her expertise by engaging in a variety of specialized studies, including:
- Woman on Board, Board Responsibilities - Academia Vieira de Almeida
- EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst - Environmental, Social and Governance Risks from the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies
- Humanistic and Emotional Leadership - Leadership Course at ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics & Management
- Scenario Planning - Executive Course at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
- Climate Change & the TCFD: Risks & Opportunities for the Banking Industry - Scored 9.5 out of 10 at UNEP FI.
Sofia has also authored six books on sustainability topics, further solidifying her status as an authority in her field. Three of these publications specifically address sustainable finance, underlining her prowess and thought leadership in this critical area of global economic development.
Notable Contributions and Affiliations
Sofia's professional journey embodies a series of remarkable contributions and affiliations that have shaped her career in sustainable finance and environmental stewardship.
- As a Sustainable & Climate Finance Specialist and Certified ESG Risk Analyst at SystemicSphere, she continues to provide insights and strategies on sustainability issues globally.
- Sofia has held significant positions, including Readiness Technical Assistant Consultant for Africa at the Green Climate Fund. This role involved advising on financial strategies to support climate initiatives on the African continent.
- She has served as a Presidente da Mesa da Assembleia Geral at AdP - Águas de Portugal, facilitating successful governance and strategic planning for the organization.
- As part of her diverse responsibilities, she was involved in investment committees and advisory roles, demonstrating her extensive knowledge and commitment to promoting sustainability within various sectors.
- Throughout her career, she has collaborated with several reputed organizations and institutions, continually advancing sustainable practices and principles.
Sofia's multifaceted career is a testament to her dedication to promoting sustainable development through innovative financial strategies and her commitment to fostering a greater understanding of sustainability issues among future leaders. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to embrace sustainability as a vital component of economic growth and corporate responsibility.
Conclusion
In summary, Sofia Santos stands out as a pioneering economic consultant whose work in sustainable finance, climate finance, and ESG risk management resonates deeply with today’s pressing sustainability challenges. Her impressive career trajectory, enriched by her extensive education and diverse experience, positions her as a leader in integrating sustainable practices into finance and corporate governance. With her dedication to education and consultancy, Sofia Santos is actively contributing to a more sustainable future, illuminating the path for organizations and individuals alike to navigate the complexities of sustainable management.
tags':['Sofia Santos','Sustainable finance','Climate finance','ESG risk','Sustainable management','Sustainability consultancy','Sustainable investor relations','Economist','Consultant','Sustainability strategies','Sustainability reports','Portuguese Business Council for Sustainable Development','Higher education','Sustainability education'],
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