Assunção Cristas is a Partner at Vieira de Almeida (VdA) and a Full Professor at NOVA School of Law. An internationally recognized expert in sustainability, oceans, environmental policy, and leadership, she has built an outstanding career spanning the legal, academic, corporate, and public sectors, establishing herself as one of Portugal’s leading voices in these fields.
Assunção Cristas is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Portugal’s legal and political landscape over the past two decades. Born in Luanda and raised in Portugal from an early age, she built a distinguished career in law and academia before entering politics. As a respected professor and legal scholar, she first gained national attention in 2007 through her participation in several televised debates on abortion, an experience that led to her political career with the CDS-PP party.
During her time in government, she served as Minister of Agriculture, Sea, Environment, and Spatial Planning under Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho, where she championed policies focused on sustainability, environmental management, and the blue economy. In 2016, she was elected President of CDS-PP with overwhelming support, and a year later she led the party to its strongest-ever performance in Lisbon’s municipal elections. Following the 2019 parliamentary elections, she stepped away from active politics to fully resume her professional career.
Since then, she has further strengthened her work as a lawyer and academic, specializing in Maritime Law, sustainability, and environmental regulation. As a Partner at Vieira de Almeida, she leads initiatives related to the sustainable transition while continuing her teaching and research at NOVA School of Law. Her ability to combine political experience, legal expertise, and strategic insight has made her a leading authority on governance, sustainability, and leadership.
Assunção Cristas delivers thought-provoking presentations that combine deep legal expertise with a strategic perspective on the major challenges facing businesses and public institutions. Her keynote speeches cover topics such as sustainability, ESG, the green transition, the blue economy, and leadership, offering practical, forward-looking insights that help organizations navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and social landscape. Drawing on her experience in both government and the private sector, she provides audiences with a unique perspective on preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
An exploration of why embedding sustainability and ESG principles has become a strategic priority for organizations and how they can turn responsible practices into a competitive advantage.
An insightful discussion on female leadership, equal opportunity, and diversity as powerful drivers of innovation, transformation, and long-term organizational success.
A comprehensive overview of the latest developments in climate regulation and sustainability, highlighting the critical role of public policy in accelerating the transition to a greener economy.
An examination of the vast potential of the oceans and the blue economy as engines of sustainable development, with a focus on innovation, environmental stewardship, and emerging economic opportunities.
If you’re looking for a leading keynote speaker on sustainability, ESG, the blue economy, environmental policy, or leadership, you can book Assunção Cristas through Thinking Heads. Her unique combination of political, legal, and business experience offers organizations valuable strategic insights to help them anticipate and address the challenges of the future.
View profile
Book Speaker
View profile
Book Speaker
Contact us
