João Maria Botelho is a young jurist with a degree from Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (LL.B), with specializations in key areas such as sustainability, regenerative economy, maritime and blue economy challenges, climate change regulation (both from the Catholic University of Portugal), and ESG (Wharton Business School). 

Acknowledged as a Forbes 30 Under 30 in sustainability and social innovation (class of 2024), João stands out for his dedication to Law, Sustainable Finance and ESG. He is a recipient of the 2024 National Prize for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship. He has an influential profile both nationally and internationally, having served in the Policy & Strategy area at the Global Alliance For A Sustainable Planet under the coordination of Satya Tripathi, being the only Portuguese on the run (shortlisted 2024) as a Young Global Leader by the World Federation of United Nations Associations.

In 2023, he earned acclaim from FORBES as a standout figure in the realms of innovation and sustainability due to his unwavering commitment to the field of social innovation and being invited as a speaker (later that year) to give his inputs into the sustainability field at the FORBES Annual Summit 2023.

In 2022, he successfully led a project that garnered recognition from the Financial Times, ranking it as one of Portugal's top student-led initiatives for creating positive social impact! (social impact) 

Education: João's academic journey is marked by significant contributions as a researcher collaborator during his LLB program at NOVA University. He played a pivotal role in advancing the missions of esteemed NOVA Knowledge Centers, including the Business, Human Rights, and Environment Knowledge Center, NOVA OCEAN, and NOVA Green Lab. 

João's education is further enriched by his completion of specialized coursework, notably an advanced program in Regenerative Economics under the guidance of Professor John Fullerton, the creator of the regenerative thinking concept applied to economics, which he completed on a full scholarship. In addition to his LLB, João also undertook and successfully completed additional master's-level subjects, focusing on Energy Law, Environmental Law, and Climate, Energy, and Just Transition, which have equipped him with a multidisciplinary perspective essential for addressing contemporary legal and environmental challenges. 

Legal Experiences: João's professional journey is marked by diverse and impactful internships. From his role as a Legal Trainee at SLBA, where he delved into Alternative Investment Vehicles and Capital Markets Regulations, to his Summer Legal Trainee position at VdA, in Energy and Natural Resources, João's experiences span the legal landscape. 

Notably, he has contributed to Clean Energy and Fossil Fuel Transition initiatives at the Alliance for Affordable Energy as a policy and strategy intern and shaped policy and strategy at the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (NY) during 2022 and 2023. 

Advocacy Initiatives: João actively participates in advocacy initiatives, serving as a climate advocate at LACLIMA and a Global Shaper at the Lisbon Hub within the World Economic Forum. As President of NOVA Assembleia, a NOVA School of Law student group (2022-2024), he demonstrates his leadership and commitment to broader advocacy endeavors. 

Research and Publications: His work on decoding sustainable finance and deep understanding of ESG principles underscore his dedication to innovative sustainability research. As a writer, he has contributed to publications like Observevador, Ambient Magazine, and LÍDER Magazine, exploring topics from legislative developments in sustainability to climate action and ESG policies. 

Awards and Recognition: João's impactful contributions have earned him honourable mentions from the Expert Group on Competencies for Democratic Culture of the Council of Europe, the President of the Portuguese Republic, FORBES Portugal and the Financial Times and the American Magazine CEO Feature. 

Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet: João's journey includes his role as a Strategy and Policy Intern at The Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (NY). Here, he contributed his talents to various projects, including his involvement in GAPS's COP27 Task Force and preparation for New York Climate Week 2022. He actively contributed to addressing global environmental and social issues and played a pivotal role in policy development and impactful events.

Legal Expertise: João's legal expertise shines through his participation in the Matheson Irish law firm's ESG Experience Programme and his experiences at Clifford Chance during the Climate Change and Sustainable Finance Global Internship Programme, deepening his understanding of the human rights implications of corporate actions. 

Pedro Catarino - Photography