Marta Henriques Pereira: “My driving force is res publica: the desire to contribute to the public cause, to serve, and to create positive impact.”

What are your main childhood memories?

I grew up in Madeira, in an environment where the community played a central role. My memories are full of sea, nature, freedom, and imagination, but also a sense of responsibility towards others and society. From an early age, I realized that I not only had to but also wanted to contribute in the best possible way to humanity, which is why public service appealed to me. Madeira gave me a balance between the local and the global: strong roots but also ambition to dream big.

Why study Law?

I chose to study Law because I have always been fascinated by the concept of justice, understood not only as the rigid application of rules—dura lex, sed lex—but as a tool to organise life in society, enabling peaceful and dignified coexistence among human beings. For me, Law has always been more than codes and articles: it was a way to understand how rules, when just, can build bridges between people and communities. At the same time, I saw in the Law program an opportunity to build a solid academic foundation, capable of opening paths to areas that attracted me from early on - diplomacy, governance, and international mediation. Law gave me not only analytical rigor and critical thinking skills but also the ability to engage with different cultural and institutional systems, something that would become essential in my international career in contexts of peace, security, and development.

"At Católica, I learned to value critical thinking, friendship, and the courage to take risks - qualities essential in any international mission."

When did your interest in an international career emerge?

It started after doing the Erasmus program in Italy. I have always been curious about the world and eager to go beyond Portugal’s borders, and that experience was the catalyst. At Católica, I learned to take risks and think globally, and at the United Nations, I realized that this was my path: contributing to solutions that make a difference on a global scale. Portugal gave me resilience and genica (a unique Portuguese energy), and my Portuguese identity proved to be a unique strength, helping me mediate, build consensus, and engage in dialogue in highly diverse scenarios.

In your speech at Universidade Católica’s Opening Ceremony, you said: “University is not just about technical skills. It is critical thinking, creativity, friendship, and the courage to take risks.” How did this reflect in your path?

At Católica, I learned much beyond technical knowledge. I learned to value friendship, critical thinking, and creativity. It was in Católica’s Tuna (university music group) that I found my voice. I also found camaraderie, joy, discipline, and teamwork - all essential later in my international life. It was an experience that gave me the courage to take risks and find new paths, even in difficult contexts.

You have over 20 years of international career in diplomacy, governance, development, peace, and security. What has been the most challenging aspect?

The hardest part is maintaining motivation in hostile and lonely environments, but that is when resilience turns into strength and purpose. Outcomes rarely depend solely on us. I faced many defeats, difficulties, and failures, and I am grateful for everything life has given me because those setbacks created the need to keep fighting, look ahead, and creatively rethink how to reposition myself and do better. It was in these moments that I learned most about resilience and the importance of never giving up.

"The hardest part is maintaining motivation in hostile environments, but that is when resilience turns into purpose."

As an international consultant, what is your day-to-day work like currently?

I work as a consultant for international organizations, alternating this with other initiatives: I am a social entrepreneur - founder and president of two associations (Resposta Luso and REDE) -, author of a book and a podcast on international careers, a PhD student, and an entrepreneur. And then I have family spread across Australia, Portugal, and now also Saudi Arabia. Life could be easier - it’s actually a bit crazy - but it wouldn’t be as meaningful.

What advice would you give students aspiring to an international career?

The most important thing is self-motivation. Mentors and tutors help, but no one can replace the inner drive to learn and contribute. I would tell them to stay true to their Christian principles and values, be curious, build human networks, but above all, not fear taking risks and failing. I have failed and made mistakes far more times than I succeeded, and that’s precisely why I learned so much! An international career is not a straight line: it’s made of personal challenges that allow you to transcend local boundaries and reach global horizons.

"International life is not linear: it is made of falls, new beginnings, and the ability to turn failures into lessons."

Which countries have you lived in, and which one marked you most?

Timor-Leste left a deep mark on me, both personally and professionally. It was where I met my husband - an Australian - and where I had the opportunity to navigate different approaches between bilateral cooperation (Portugal and Australia) and multilateral efforts - the United Nations - often with diverse views, positions, and interests in development. Working for an Australian government program, I had to learn how to balance and manoeuvre these differences, finding common ground and building practical solutions despite tensions. That experience taught me a lot about common sense, diplomacy, adaptability, resilience, and the importance of negotiation to build consensus.

Is it good to be back home?

I left Madeira more than 30 years ago, but it is on this island that my roots lie, and it is where I find the comfort of familiar people and things: the smell of the sea, the colours, the affections. Returning is always good because I get to recharge my energy and remember where I came from. Madeira gives me the courage to leave and also the courage to return.

What drives you?

I am driven by the need to contribute to the public cause - res publica. This is the engine behind all my professional and philanthropic initiatives, from diplomacy and mediation to the associations I founded and the projects I develop to create impact and serve others. Above all, I hope that my journey and actions can, in some way, help make the world we live in a place of more value, meaning, and humanity.