Climate Investment Funds
Mafalda led the Climate Investment Funds from 2014 until July 2023. During her tenure, she oversaw hundreds of clean energy and climate resilience investments in 72 countries worldwide. The largest solar park in the world and South America’s first geothermal power plant are among the numerous projects realized under her leadership. Mafalda is now expanding the remit of the organization into new areas, which includes accelerating out of the coal and industry decarbonization phase. Committed to putting fairness and equality at the heart of climate finance, she has launched the Climate Investment Funds’ Just Transition Initiative to help achieve that aim.
Mafalda previously held senior roles at the African Development Bank and the World Bank. A much sought-after speaker on climate finance, she has been quoted in Reuters, BBC World Service, The Economist, and the Financial Times, among many others.
With a remit to provide policy advice and lead strategic partnerships and research initiatives, Hugh’s work spans clean energy, energy access, sustainable forestry, and resilience programming.
Previously, Hugh worked at the International Union for Conservation of Nature, where he provided advisory support to the Director General. His career has also taken him to Kenya, where he worked for the United Nations Environment Program, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Viet Nam. During his stint in Viet Nam, he designed and implemented community-led climate resilience, conservation, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Hugh holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from Oxford University and a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Sheffield University.