Mathews Malata is a Climate Diplomacy Advisor at Climate Analytics, working closely with the Least Developed Countries Support Team. He provides research, documentation and communication advice.
Before joining Climate Analytics, Mathews worked with the GIZ - Energising Development Programme (Malawi), Malawi Ministry of Agriculture, Movement for Environmental Action (MEA), Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, and Baobab Health Trust (BHT).
With a 15-year career as a journalist and communication specialist, Mathews has reported on various topics, including climate change, waste management, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable energy. He has covered and attended significant international events such as the UNFCCC COP 18, 26, 27, and 28, where he also participated as an emerging negotiator.
He has also been involved in global conferences on disaster risk reduction, particularly those focusing on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). In addition to his professional work, Mathews voluntarily serves as President of the Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) in Malawi and as a board member of the Dzalanyama Catchment Conservation Trust (DCCT). In recognition of his efforts and commitment, he was appointed as the Malawi 2063 Environmental Sustainability Champion by the Malawi Government through the National Planning Commission (NPC). Furthermore, he is an active member of Malawi’s Joint Technical Committee on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction.
Residing in a country significantly affected by climate change, Mathews is adept at sharing practical insights on its impacts, transformative strategies, challenges, and the crucial role of integrating local and indigenous knowledge in climate action. These elements, along with locally-led approaches, are essential for LDCs to achieve most of the SDGs by 2030.
Mathews holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Share World Open University, Malawi.