Helder da Costa

Biography

Dr. Helder da Costa has served as the Secretary General of the g7+ Secretariat since 2014, providing strategic leadership to a unique intergovernmental organization representing 20 conflict-affected and fragile states. In this role, he plays a central part in shaping the g7+’s vision and global advocacy, working closely with member states, the Chair, and Deputy Chair to advance collective priorities on peacebuilding, statebuilding, and development cooperation. As Secretary to the g7+ Ministerial Forum and Advisory Council, Dr. da Costa leads the coordination of high-level engagements and oversees the preparation of ministerial agendas, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of member countries. He is also responsible for the overall management of the Secretariat, including representing the g7+ in legal and institutional matters, and strengthening partnerships with international organizations and development partners. He was one of the 18 Sherpas representing the g7+ in the negotiation of the Busan Partnership Agreement for Effective Development Cooperation, OECD. Dr. da Costa brings over two decades of leadership experience across academia and international development in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Prior to joining the g7+, he served as a lecturer at the National University of Timor-Leste and as Advisor on Aid Effectiveness to the Ministry of Finance of Timor-Leste, where he contributed to strengthening national systems and development policies. He has also worked extensively with leading international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Australian Agency for International Development, and has published in peer-reviewed journals on development issues. Earlier in the career, Dr. da Costa held senior roles in New Zealand, including Tertiary Education Manager and Asia Programme Manager with the Asia New Zealand Foundation and Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA), where he oversaw programs across Bhutan, Lao PDR, Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste. Beyond his institutional leadership, Dr. da Costa has also contributed to democratic processes in Timor-Leste. He was selected to moderate the country’s first presidential debate following the restoration of independence in 2001 and has continued to support electoral dialogue, including moderating national debates during the 2017–2018 elections. Dr. Da Costa earned his PhD in Trade Policy at the School of International Applied Economics, University of Adelaide, South Australia, in 2001.