Lidia Brito, a Professor for Wood Science in Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique,  Doctorate in Forest and Wood Science from Colorado State University in the USA , born in Mozambique, she is currently Director for Science Policies and Capacity Building of UNESCO, at the Natural Science Sector.

She has held senior positions such as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of Eduardo Mondlane University, Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology of Mozambique, and Advisor for Strategic Planning and External Relations of the Mayor of Maputo City.

Her areas of expertise range from forestry and sustainable management of Natural Resources to Higher Education, Science and Technology policies as part of public policies for sustainable development. She has chaired several commissions and task teams in particular in Higher Education, STI and ICT for Sustainable Development.

Recently she co-chaired the Scientific Organizing Committee for Planet Under Pressure Conference in London, a major conference for the preparation of Rio+20.

She is a member of several international Boards such as CPRS of ICSU, African Foresters Forum Governing Board, CHET Board, SEI Governing Board, Bioversity Governing Board among others.