Cristovam Buarque is a senator of Brazil’s Federal District. He previously served as minister of education under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration and governor of the Federal District. During his mandate as governor, he was recognized for his commitment to social inclusion. One of the most renowed programs he conceived and implemented is Bolsa-Escola, a conditional cash transfer program for child education. Buarque is an advisor to the UNDP and other UN agencies. He is also a member of the Royal Academy of Sciences, Letters and Fine Arts of Belgium, and of the Club of Rome. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the Federal University of Pernambuco and a doctorate in economics from Sorbonne University.