Dr. Lidia Brito

Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO

Dr. Lidia Arthur Brito is a pioneering forest engineer and science policy expert who has dedicated her career to advancing sustainable development and science, technology, and innovation (STI) across the Global South. Born in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, she made history as the country’s first Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (2000-2005) and currently serves as UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences since November 2023.

Dr. Brito’s impressive academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Forest Engineering from Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, complemented by Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Forest and Wood Science from Colorado State University in the United States. Her three decades of professional experience span science policy development, STI capacity building, forestry, sustainable energy, and higher education management.

Her international career at UNESCO began in 2009, where she has held progressively senior roles including Director for Science Policy and Sustainable Development, UNESCO Regional Director for Sciences in Latin America and the Caribbean (2014-2021), and UNESCO Regional Director for Southern Africa (2022-2023). During her tenure, she spearheaded the Open Science Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean (CILAC), creating crucial platforms for regional science policy dialogue.

Dr. Brito’s expertise extends beyond traditional science policy to encompass ICT for development, biomass energy, and community-based natural resource management. She serves on various international scientific committees and is recognized globally for her contributions to sustainable development and science diplomacy, particularly in promoting South-South cooperation and knowledge sharing.