Maria Kottari is an energy transition and sustainability specialist focused on a climate-resilient, people-centred future. She combines strategic insight with hands-on experience across EU and international governance, energy and climate policy, and innovation. She holds a PhD in International, European and Regional Studies and worked at the
European Commission’s Joint Research Centre on energy transition and renewable energies innovation. As founder of The Energy Matrix, she advised public institutions and organisations—including the European Commission and the UN—on sustainable, inclusive policies. Her work spans just transition, sustainable finance, technology, and societal-driven innovation, and inclusive development. She currently holds the position of Policy Advisor at the International Institute for Environment and Development( IIED Europe) and serves as an EU Climate Pact Ambassador.