José Tiago Sousa—known  as Tiago—is an ESG-focused strategist, social activist, and humanitarian who believes that sustainability isn't just about numbers and compliance. It's about people, causes, and genuine commitment.

His work sits at the intersection of economics, finance, and climate policy. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's degree in Finance from the Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto (FEP), and is currently pursuing a PhD in Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies at NOVA FCT, in partnership with the Institute of Social Sciences of the University of Lisbon.

His Professional Journey

Current Role: Advisor of LIBRE Portugal

Tiago currently serves the LIBRE Foundation — an international non-profit organization dedicated to Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency. In this role, he leads the implementation of sustainability management standards, organizes trainings for the "International Sustainability Specialist" (L-ISS) certification, and fosters cooperation.

Professional Experience at FEP

Before joining LIBRE, Tiago had the privilege of working professionally at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto (FEP)—the same institution where he studied as an undergraduate and graduate student. This was a full-circle moment in his career.

At FEP, he served as Senior Technician for Social Responsibility and Sustainability, working within the Gabinete de Apoio à Direção (Office of the Directorate). In this capacity, he was responsible for:

• Developing and implementing sustainability strategies across the institution
• Embedding social responsibility principles into the Faculty's operations and culture
• Coordinating initiatives that aligned the institution's practices with ESG principles
• Bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application

This role was deeply meaningful to him, as it allowed him to contribute directly to the institution that shaped his own values and professional identity. He wasn't just working at FEP—he was giving back to the "house that welcomed him, educated him, and inspired him."

Additional Roles at FEP

During his time at FEP, Tiago also served as a Vogal (Member) of the Pedagogical Council, representing Master's and PhD students. This governance role gave him firsthand experience in institutional decision-making, ensuring student voices were heard in academic policy discussions.

Other ESG Professional Experience

Tiago worked as an ESG Officer at TLG Global, where he gained practical experience in ESG reporting, Green Bond processes, financial compliance, and the development of institutional sustainability strategies.

His Journey in ESG: Projects That Matter

Environmental Advocacy with a Social Conscience

CBAM Warning — As an economist and PhD candidate, Tiago has publicly warned about the "perverse effects" of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). In an article published in Diário de Notícias, he argued that the instrument, as currently designed, "strangles vulnerable communities and, in various scenarios, worsens global inequalities." This reflects his belief that environmental policy must be designed with social justice at its heart—a "Just Transition" that leaves no one behind.

Academic Research — Tiago's Master's dissertation focused on "Social Responsibility in the Banking Sector: Evidence from Europe," exploring the financial impact of social responsibility on bank profitability. His ongoing PhD research continues to examine the intersection of climate policy and sustainable development.

Environmental Activism — Tiago has participated in environmental action initiatives, including cleaning the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve (ROM).

Social Impact: From Grassroots to Global

Solidarity Soul — Tiago founded this association, integrated into the University of Porto's solidarity network (UP Solidária). Under his leadership, the association:

• Supported the elderly and provided educational support at the Centro Social Sé Catedral do Porto
• Cleaned the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve
• Organized a "Day of the Sun" campaign at São João Hospital to raise awareness about humanizing waiting spaces
• Participated in the Food Bank's activities
• Launched a podcast on social action during the COVID-19 pandemic

Solidarity Missions — Tiago has had the privilege of serving in multiple international missions:

• Norcia, Italy (2017): Part of the very first European Solidarity Corps mission, supporting earthquake victims—a truly life-changing experience.
• Poland (2018): Working with children in a peripheral community facing discrimination.
• Turkey (2024): Teaching youth and others.

Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (YPAN) — In August 2020, Tiago was one of 20 young activists from six countries who participated in the "Equal means Equal" exchange in Thonon-les-Bains, France. Together, they built a manifesto for gender equality in education, creating eight key recommendations for policymakers.

Civic and Awareness Campaigns

Todxs — Tiago collaborated as a participant in the "Todxs" campaign, a civic initiative promoting equality and inclusion, contributing his voice and engagement to its awareness efforts.

O Teu Lugar na Europa ("Your Place in Europe") — Tiago served as a spokesperson and ambassador for this campaign, encouraging young people's civic engagement and active participation in European life and decision-making.

Governance: Fighting for Equality and Representation

Gender Parity for the Council for Climate Action (CAC) — Tiago is one of the experts in this initiative, which brings together professionals of recognized merit in sustainability, climate, and public policy to defend gender parity in Portugal's Council for Climate Action. He argues that "men cannot be mere spectators in a process shared by the entire society" and that "recognizing historical privilege is not a gesture of guilt, but of responsibility." He challenges men to move beyond passive support: "It's not enough to support equality in discourse. We must act—denouncing inequalities where they exist, promoting co-responsibility, and challenging the traditional masculinities that so often perpetuate discrimination."

FEP Pedagogical Council — As mentioned above, Tiago served as a member, representing Master's and PhD students, ensuring student voices were heard in academic governance.

Craiova, Romania 

In July 2022, Tiago participated in a European project in Craiova, Romania, focused on sustainability and the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The project aimed to raise awareness about climate issues and equip young participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to understand the current context of these challenges. Its ultimate goal was to empower participants to challenge decision-makers to take immediate climate action and build global resilience. This experience reinforced Tiago's understanding that sustainability is a multidimensional concept that must be addressed through an integrated lens—a principle that continues to guide his work.

Alsótold, Hungary

Immediately following his time in Romania, Tiago led the Portuguese team in a Training Course in Alsótold, Hungary, focused on sustainability. The project sought to foster participants' creativity in sustainability through UPCycling and social entrepreneurship solutions, addressing the three pillars of sustainability: Environmental, Social, and Economic.

Reflecting on this experience, Tiago emphasized the multidimensional nature of sustainability:

"There are, today, very well-defined objectives in the field of Sustainability, but they do not neglect the fact that it is a multidimensional concept and can only be understood as such. I say this not to make a concept that we want to be as simple as possible difficult, but to standardize the way we look at it around the world. In fact, the environmental scope is a priority, for without the Planet we would not exist, but we cannot forget the needs and inequalities that exist in the socioeconomic sphere. Only in this way can we create something in the field of Sustainability that provides an effective response to existing problems, among others that we may already foresee."

This project was a direct application of his integrated ESG philosophy, demonstrating that environmental action must go hand in hand with social and economic considerations.

Thonon-les-Bains, France

In August 2020, Tiago participated in the "Equal means Equal" youth exchange in Thonon-les-Bains, France, organized by the Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (YPAN). He was one of 20 young activists from six countries—Portugal, Spain, Greece, France, Poland, and Belgium—who collaborated to construct a manifesto for gender equality in education. The group created eight key recommendations for policymakers, advocating for more gender-sensitive approaches within educational systems.

This initiative reflects Tiago's deep commitment to the Social pillar of ESG, addressing systemic inequality through education and policy advocacy. It also demonstrates his belief that meaningful change requires active engagement across borders and cultures.

International Trainings and Courses in Sustainable Development

Beyond the projects mentioned above, Tiago has completed various international trainings and courses in the field of sustainable development, complemented by practical experience in the same domain. Notably, he holds the "International Sustainability Specialist" (L-ISS) certification, which he describes as having:

"strengthened my understanding of sustainable development principles and how organizations can align strategy, governance, and long-term value creation with environmental and social responsibility."

Tiago emphasizes that "sustainability action is no longer just a trend — it's a responsibility and a strategic imperative." This certification bridges competence gaps in strategy, governance, and ESG implementation, translating knowledge into tangible, real-world impact.

Recognition and a Symbolic Gesture

Tiago has been honored by the University of Porto on three occasions:

• Galardão Voluntário U.Porto 2017/2018 — Recognizing his work through Solidarity Soul
• Prémio Cidadania Ativa (2019) — In the humanitarian/solidarity category, received from the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
• Galardão Voluntário U.Porto 2018/2019 — His third award from the University

In January 2026, Tiago made a symbolic decision: he returned the Galardão Voluntário U.Porto 2018/2019 to the Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto—the institution where he studied and where he later worked professionally.

This wasn't an act of detachment. As he explained: "By offering this award to FEP, I am not detaching myself from it. On the contrary, I am perpetuating it, giving it new life, inserting it into a larger river that will continue to flow long after." He wanted to recognize that "economics is not made only with numbers, but with people, with causes, with commitment."

Heraclitus was right when he said we never step into the same river twice. And yet, there are rivers that mark us so deeply that even when we no longer step into them, they continue to flow within us. FEP is that river for Tiago.

Tiago was also recognized in Craiova.

His ESG Philosophy

For Tiago, ESG isn't a checklist or a trend. It's a strategic imperative and a responsibility. The "International Sustainability Specialist" certification he completed deepened his understanding of how organizations can align strategy, governance, and long-term value creation with environmental and social responsibility.

His approach is holistic:

• Environmental (E): Climate policy must be just and equitable—never at the expense of vulnerable communities.
• Social (S): True sustainability requires addressing inequality, discrimination, and human dignity at every level.
• Governance (G): Diverse, representative decision-making bodies are essential for effective and legitimate climate action.

Whether advocating for gender parity in climate governance, warning about the social costs of environmental policy, or leading community-driven solidarity initiatives, Tiago brings the same conviction to everything he does: sustainability is about people.

Let's Connect

Tiago's work is built on more than 10 years of experience across global sustainability and ESG—combining volunteer work, civic activism, and professional practice into a cohesive, human-centered approach to sustainable development.

He is always open to collaboration with universities, companies, and public institutions committed to building a future rooted in responsibility, innovation, and solidarity. Together, they can make sustainability not just a goal, but a way of life.

E-mail: geral@josetiagosousa.com