Jorge is a marine scientist with a Masters of Environmental Sciences from Yale University and with 15 years of professional experience in program management, investment and policy on sustainable development issues related to the ocean and its linkages with climate change. Serving as an ‘ocean advisor’ and working closely with H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson (former Fiji ambassador), and other ambassadors part of the Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS), Jorge made significant contributions to the negotiations and drafting of the original SDG 14 concept note in 2013. With a personal stake in the SDGs, Jorge’s dedication is further exemplified by his role with the World Bank as a Blue Economy Specialist [2015 - 2022] supporting and leading transformative blue economy initiatives across the Latin American and Caribbean region as well as in the South Asian region, particularly pertaining to the development of national ocean policies and Marine Spatial Plans. In his role with UNDESA [2022 - 2023], Jorge supported the intergovernmental process towards the 2022 UN Ocean Conference and the 2023 UN Water Conference. Jorge acted as a Blue Economy Advisor to the Red Sea Authority in Saudi Arabia working to inform the country’s blue economy strategy in the coastal tourism sector.  Since September 2024 Jorge has been focused on advising philanthropy and academic institutions as a sustainable development expert and lecturer.