Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, president-designate of COP30, advocates for global cooperation on climate issues.

247 - In a context of environmental urgency, Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, president-designate of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), emphasizes the importance of unity among countries to address the effects of climate change. He stresses that the defense of multilateralism and respect for science will be essential pillars of the event to be held in Belém, Pará, in November 2025.

No official speech by the ambassadorAs stated before the United Nations General Assembly, this is the first time the COP will take place in the Amazon. The choice of location symbolizes the search for concrete solutions for sustainable development and the need to regenerate one of the regions most affected by environmental pressures.The vision of bringing COP30 to the Amazon reflects the realism that chronic problems can become solutions and, at the same time, the hope that the regeneration of the biome can inspire a future of shared prosperity.“Corrêa do Lago stated.

The ambassador recalls that, since 1988, the international community has recognized climate change as a common concern. In that year, the UN created the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and in 1992, during the Rio-92 Conference, world leaders signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). According to him, the progress in climate governance stems from “a learning journey that reflects both our greatest strengths and our limitations."Despite this, Corrêa do Lago warns that"Global warming is already knocking on our door, reaching our ecosystems, cities, and daily lives.".

COP30 takes place at a historic milestone: 80 years of the United Nations, 20 years of the Kyoto Protocol's implementation, and 10 years of the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, it comes shortly after the confirmation that 2024 was globally the hottest year on record, with average temperatures exceeding 1,5°C above pre-industrial levels.Human lives, future jobs, and healthy environments depend on swift and concrete actions.“This was reinforced by the diplomat, highlighting the need to boost the implementation of the Paris Agreement through structural solutions and the strengthening of global governance mechanisms.”

Corrêa do Lago emphasizes that Brazil's commitment goes beyond mere rhetoric, as the Federal Constitution itself imposes the duty to promote cooperation for the progress of humanity in international relations. The country intends to intensify actions within the framework of the so-called "Road Map to Mission 1.5," in partnership with previous and future COP presidencies (the "troika"), so that the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are revised with greater ambition.We need robust progress to translate what has been agreed upon into real results, capable of promoting real-world transformations.", said.

The designated president of COP30 also draws attention to the importance of integrating mitigation and adaptation efforts.Adapting is no longer a choice, nor does it compete with mitigation measures. It is an essential and urgent action.“He emphasized. He explained that, given the increase in extreme events and the vulnerability of various regions, especially those with less capacity to respond, strengthening cooperation structures is fundamental to guaranteeing financial and technological support to developing countries.”

Another theme highlighted by the ambassador is the synergy between the climate agenda and the preservation of biodiversity, especially within the framework of the so-called Rio Conventions (on climate, biodiversity and desertification), launched in 1992.We need to address global crises comprehensively, recognizing that protecting biodiversity and combating desertification go hand in hand with tackling climate change.“He declared. Furthermore, Corrêa do Lago emphasizes the importance of the role of indigenous peoples and local communities in defending the environment.”

Corrêa do Lago's speech makes it clear that the Brazilian government hopes COP30 will be a turning point: an opportunity to consolidate the legacy of previous climate meetings and, at the same time, open up new possibilities for coordinated action.We need a new era that goes beyond negotiations to strengthen the climate regime: it's time to turn words into action and ensure the credibility of this multilateral process.”He concluded.

With the proposal to bring the center of climate decision-making to the Amazon region, Brazil demonstrates its desire to converge efforts to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and to address, with a sense of urgency, the consequences of climate change. The expectation is that COP30, under the leadership of André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, will become a symbol of hope for the sustainable progress of the planet and the strengthening of multilateralism.