It is with deep sadness and consternation that NOVA School of Law announces the passing of Catarina de Albuquerque, Chair of the Faculty Council.
Throughout her career, Catarina de Albuquerque stood out internationally in the defence of human rights, with particular emphasis on the right to water and sanitation. With a degree in Law from the University of Lisbon and a Master’s degree in International Law from the Institut Universitaire de Hautes Études Internationales (Geneva, Switzerland), in 2008 she became the first United Nations Special Rapporteur on Water and Sanitation, leading the enshrinement of access to drinking water as a universal human right. Since 2014, she has served as CEO of the UN Global Partnership Sanitation and Water for All, strengthening its global impact.
She has been a visiting professor at the Law Faculties of the University of Minho and the University of Coimbra, and received an honorary doctorate from the University of North Carolina.
Among other distinctions, she received the Gold Medal for Human Rights from the Portuguese Parliament, the Order of Merit from the President of the Republic, and the IWA Global Water Award. Recently, in 2025, she was recognised by Forbes Portugal as one of the 50 most powerful women in the country.
As Chair of the Board of NOVA School of Law, Catarina de Albuquerque inspired the entire academic community with her example of leadership, integrity and commitment to human rights. Her work, vision and dedication leave a lasting legacy that will continue to guide the Faculty and all of us.
The Rector of NOVA, Doctor Paulo Pereira, and the Director of NOVA School of Law, Professor Margarida Lima Rego, offer their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Catarina de Albuquerque.