Maria da Graça Carvalho has been appointed by the Danish presidency of the European Union (EU), according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAEN). This decision was made within the EU’s internal coordination for preparing the Conference.
The decision “reflects a broad consensus among Member States regarding the Portuguese minister’s experience in the fields of science, innovation, and climate policies, as well as her background as an international negotiator in climate areas,” the Ministry’s statement indicates.
With this appointment, the MAEN specifies, Maria da Graça Carvalho joins the core group of negotiators tasked with representing the stance of the 27 Member States in discussions concerning mitigation and adaptation technologies, technological financing, technology transfer mechanisms, cooperation with developing countries, and support instruments for climate innovation.
“Technology is one of the decisive pillars for accelerating global climate action and ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to effective and affordable solutions. At COP30, I will work determinedly to ensure that Europe speaks with one voice and that we build ambitious, realistic commitments based on scientific knowledge,” said the minister, as cited in the statement.
The Ministry recalls that Maria da Graça Carvalho has academic and governmental experience in the areas of energy, environment, climate, science, and innovation. She was the Minister of Science, Innovation, and Higher Education, and is a full professor at the Technical University of Lisbon, specializing in energy and climate change.
