Rafael Lisbôa is the Head of Communications for the C40 x GCoM Joint Program, where he leads strategic communications, media engagement, and advocacy for a global initiative focused on climate finance, multilevel partnerships, and data-driven climate action, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. He is a communications and journalism professional with over two decades of experience across media, public administration, and strategic communications.
Rafael began his career as a reporter and producer at Brazil’s largest TV network, TV Globo, before spending more than a decade as Communications Director at Rio de Janeiro City Hall. In this role, he oversaw communications for the city during major global events such as Rio+20, the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the 2016 Olympic Games. He also served as Partner and Executive Director of Communications at FSB Comunicação, Latin America’s largest PR agency.
In addition to his role at C40, Rafael serves as Special Advisor for Strategy and International Affairs to Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro and C40 Vice Chair for Latin America. He also teaches in the postgraduate program in Politics and Society at IESP/UERJ and at the General Archive of the City of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on paradiplomacy and the role of cities in global governance.
Rafael is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), an MBA in International Relations and Affairs from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), and a Master of Research in History, Politics, and International Relations, also from FGV. He was also a visiting scholar at Columbia University’s Institute of Latin American Studies.