By Abdul Rafay Afzal
H..E. Prof. John Cortes stands as one of Gibraltar’s most distinguished public figures a scientist-turned-statesman whose career spans academia, ecology, and public service. Currently holding six ministerial portfolios Education, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change, Heritage, Technical Services, and Transport he embodies the rare blend of technocratic expertise and political leadership.
An Oxford-trained ecologist, Prof. Cortes has spent decades promoting biodiversity, sustainability, and civic progress in Gibraltar. Before entering politics, he directed the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, co-founded the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society, and became an influential voice for environmental advocacy. Since 2011, he has been at the helm of multiple ministries, helping transform Gibraltar’s education system, green infrastructure, and climate policy.
In this Exclusive Interview with The Advocate Post, Prof. Cortes speaks with Editor in Chief, Abdul Rafay Afzal about his scientific roots, Gibraltar’s educational vision, environmental diplomacy, heritage preservation, and what small states can teach the world about resilience and sustainable development.
Executive Summary
In a wide-ranging conversation, Prof. Cortes reflects on his journey from ecology to politics, sharing how science equips governance with a foundation of evidence and ethics. He outlines Gibraltar’s remarkable educational reforms building 10 of 14 schools and ensuring university scholarships for all qualifying students. He discusses his country’s post-Brexit political landscape, the EU–Spain border agreement, and how sustainability and education shape Gibraltar’s future.
He also underscores the role of cultural heritage as a bridge between civilizations, emphasizing cooperation with regions such as Morocco and potential collaboration with Pakistan, Somaliland, Africa and beyond. Finally, he offers a message of purpose to youth worldwide: lead with knowledge, heart, and service to others.
Q1. You began your career as a scientist and ecologist before entering politics. How did this background shape your vision as Gibraltar’s Minister across such diverse sectors?
My background as a scientist profoundly shaped how I view governance. I trained in biology at Royal Holloway, University of London, and completed my doctorate at Oxford in ecology. After returning to Gibraltar, I initially worked in health administration but soon returned to my roots becoming Director of the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, which I restored from abandonment into a recognized institution.
For decades I led environmental advocacy through the Ornithological and Natural History Society, which I co-founded in 1976. Eventually, my frustration with the government’s outdated environmental policies led me to politics. In 2011, I stood for election with the encouragement of family and friends and was elected, later taking charge of the Environment Ministry. A scientist in politics brings something unique: decisions guided by evidence, long-term vision, and responsibility to both people and planet.
Q2. As Minister for Education, how do you see education preparing young people in small states like Gibraltar to become global citizens?
Our education system follows the British model like GCSEs and A-Levels but we’ve invested heavily to adapt it to Gibraltar’s needs. Since 2011, we’ve built or completely refurbished 10 out of 14 schools, with the rest underway.
We emphasize project-based learning, inclusivity, and special-needs education. Every Gibraltarian who secures a university place, typically in the UK, receives full government sponsorship tuition and living expenses. This ensures equality of opportunity and brings back skilled professionals. We’re now expanding vocational training because not all talent is academic. Our investment in education is the foundation of Gibraltar’s progress.
Q3. As Gibraltar’s Minister for Education, how do you view the potential for cooperation with countries like Pakistan in areas such as curriculum development, teacher training, scholarships and student or academic exchange?
I would absolutely welcome such collaboration. Education is universal, and the sharing of ideas strengthens both sides.
From that perspective, cooperation with Pakistan especially in areas such as teacher training, student exchanges, scholarships and education technology would be very welcome. We already have agreements with Morocco and the University of Tétouan for language and academic exchange, and we would gladly explore similar links with Pakistan and others too. Education diplomacy is a bridge between nations, and Gibraltar is open to it.
Q4. Gibraltar’s recent EU–Spain border talks have drawn international attention. How do you see Gibraltar’s political and economic landscape evolving under this new agreement?
The outlook is better than it’s been in decades. Gibraltar overwhelmingly voted about 96% to remain in the EU. Though the UK’s decision to leave affected us, the June political agreement between the EU and the UK over the Spain–Gibraltar border offers stability.
Around 10,000–15,000 Spanish residents work in Gibraltar daily; this arrangement safeguards their livelihoods and boosts investor confidence.
For my ministries particularly Transport and Technical Services this means preparing for smoother border flow, managing traffic, and improving public transport. It’s a moment of cautious optimism.
Q5. Gibraltar is rich in both natural and cultural heritage. How do you balance modernization with heritage preservation, and do you view heritage as a diplomatic tool?
Yes, heritage is both identity and diplomacy. Gibraltar’s name itself derives from Jabal-al-Tariq, the “Mountain of Tariq,” linking our history to the Islamic era and the Iberian Peninsula’s shared past.
We’ve passed strong heritage protection laws, designating over one-third of Gibraltar’s land and waters as nature reserves. We also protect historic buildings through heritage licensing.
Our projects include restoring the World Heritage Site at Gorham’s Cave, the Moorish Castle from the 8th century, and the WWII tunnels. Recently, we installed 70 interpretive panels across the territory to connect citizens and tourists with our past.
We are proud of our multi-layered heritage Roman, Moorish, British and welcome international cooperation to preserve and celebrate it.
Q6. Turning to the Horn of Africa, Somalia continues to face instability, while Somaliland has maintained relative peace and democratic governance. As several European countries such as Denmark and France have already engaged Somaliland in education and environmental sectors, do you believe Gibraltar could also engage Somaliland through non-diplomatic cooperation for example, in education, environment, climate adaptation, or heritage projects?
That’s an excellent question. While formal foreign relations constitutionally rest with the United Kingdom, Gibraltar is very open to non-diplomatic and technical cooperation.
We already collaborate through NGOs and civic partnerships for instance, with Morocco and Senegal and we mobilized aid when Morocco faced the recent earthquake. So yes, if Somaliland or any region in the Horn of Africa approached us with constructive proposals, we would certainly be willing to explore joint work on environmental management, heritage preservation, sustainability, or educational initiatives and more.
We may be a small territory, but a big heart, even small states can often serve as role models. Gibraltar’s strength lies in practical, science-based governance and community engagement. These values are universal they can be shared anywhere cooperation is built on mutual respect and benefit and we would contribute and assist however we can.
Q7. From Asia to Africa, countries face climate crises floods, desertification, deforestation. What lessons from Gibraltar’s environmental management can larger nations learn?
The key is determination. If there’s a will, there’s a way. You can pursue strong climate policies without sacrificing growth. Gibraltar’s climate legislation is robust, and though our emissions are tiny globally, we act as a model of what’s achievable.
Our message is: be committed, understand your data, respect your ecosystems, and engage people. Progress is possible when policy is guided by both science and empathy.
Q8. Gibraltar’s terrain presents unique challenges in transport and infrastructure. How are you advancing sustainable transport innovations?
Our small size is both a challenge and an opportunity. We’ve transitioned from diesel to natural gas generation cleaner, though still interim and are expanding solar power. Land scarcity limits large installations, but we explore innovative solutions, like undersea energy links with Morocco for renewable supply.
We’re improving public transport and park-and-ride systems to manage traffic flows. Sustainability requires creativity especially in compact territories like ours.
Q9. You hold multiple portfolios education, environment, climate change, heritage, transport. How do you personally manage this vast range of responsibilities?
I simply get on with it! (laughs) I’m fortunate to have excellent teams. My scientific background means I grasp technical matters quickly, saving time. My years in academia help me bridge education and policy.
Above all, I work long hours with strong conviction not for personal gain but for public service. I believe in what I do, and that keeps me going.
Q10. Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave, as a scientist and policymaker for Gibraltar and the world?
I’ve tried to make Gibraltar fairer, greener, and more compassionate. As Health Minister, I built new medical centers, mental-health and dementia facilities, and introduced cancer treatment locally. As Environment Minister, I’ve turned car parks into green parks.
In education, we’ve built the schools of the future.
My message to young people everywhere is simple: have a big heart. Think with your head but act with your heart. Don’t enter public service for yourself; do it for others. Remember, people don’t work for you work for them. That’s the essence of leadership.