Brazilian initiative aims to engage the productive sector in COP30 debates
CNI's initiative brings together national and international companies and institutions to strengthen the productive sector's participation in the COP30 discussions to be held in Belém, state of Pará, and promote sustainable solutions.
By Inez Mustafa | inez.mustafa@presidencia.gov.br
The National Confederation of Industry (Conferência Nacional da Indústria/CNI) has launched the creation of Sustainable Business COP30 (SB COP30). This effort will bring together national and international companies and institutions to organize and strengthen the productive sector’s participation in the COP30 discussions, which will be held this November in Belém, Pará. The initiative aims to mobilize the private sector to contribute with strategic recommendations aimed at sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, consolidating a space for business representation similar to those in the G20 and BRICS.
"COP30 is an extraordinary opportunity to unite the country and show Brasil's international relevance. We want the world to see the success stories of the Brazilian private sector in combating climate change."
The launch event was attended by key figures, including COP30 President, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago; the Special Secretary of the Conference, Valter Correia; the Governor of Pará, Helder Barbalho; CNI President, Ricardo Alban; and the Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria e Comércio/MDIC), Márcio Rosa.
Ricardo Alban emphasized that COP30 is a significant opportunity for Brasil to demonstrate leadership in the global climate agenda. To make progress on issues such as climate finance, decarbonization, and energy transition, the engagement of the productive sector is essential. "The SB COP30 has emerged as a global mechanism to increase sustainable commitments by uniting companies that invest in climate protection,” he said.
COP30 as a showcase for Brasil
André Corrêa do Lago stressed that the conference will be a unique opportunity for Brasil to showcase its potential on the climate agenda. "COP30 is an extraordinary opportunity to unite the country and show Brasil's international relevance. We want the world to see the success stories of the Brazilian private sector in combating climate change," he stated.
He also emphasized the importance of linking climate negotiations to real life. "We need to show that fighting climate change is good for business and people's quality of life. Implementing the Paris Agreement is crucial, and Brasil has a much to contribute, especially in the bioeconomy and energy transition," he added.
Valter Correia efforts to ensure infrastructure readiness for COP30 in November. "We have already made significant progress in Belém. Despite challenges, we are in a strong position regarding infrastructure, though there are still issues to resolve. Holding COP in the heart of the Amazon carries immense symbolism and practical importance, outweighing the difficulties and reflecting the geopolitical significance," he said.
Representing the Minister of the Office of the Chief of Staff (Casa Civil), Rui Costa, Correia also pointed out that one of the main topics of the conference will be climate finance, which is why the involvement of the private sector in the discussions and the implementation of the decisions taken by governments in the negotiations is essential.
COP30 as an opportunity for new paradigms
Governor Helder Barbalho emphasized the importance of COP30 for the Amazon and Brasil. "COP30 in Belém, in the heart of Amazônia, is an opportunity to consolidate a new paradigm in multisectoral and multilateral relations. The Brazilian productive sector, whether in industry, agribusiness, livestock, or mining, has a fundamental role to play in this agenda," he said.
Barbalho highlighted initiatives such as the bioeconomy, carbon markets, and forest restoration as examples of how Pará’s leadership in transitioning to a green economy. "Pará is at the forefront of implementing nature-based economies, such as the bioeconomy and carbon markets. We are granting public concessions for forest restoration, creating jobs, and attracting private investment," he explained.
Brazilian industry committed to sustainability
Ricardo Alban reiterated the productive sector's commitment to sustainability. "The productive sector in Brasil and major economies have a strong commitment to sustainability. Everyone wants to associate their image with recycling and environmental protection. But beyond that, we have a profound awareness of our responsibility. As representatives of the sector, we must express this concern and commitment," he said.
The CNI president also recognized the importance of creating a formal space for the private sector to participate in climate discussions, inspired by the B20, the G20's business forum. "We need something more formal, rational, and structured, like the B20 concerning the G20. Hence, the idea of SB COP30, which has been endorsed by our ambassador and all the partners involved," he explained.