In Baku, topics such as decarbonization, climate change adaptation, and building a new ecological transition model with respect for forest communities were the focus of panel discussions at the Brazilian pavilion.
*Translated with AI.
The first week of the Brazilian pavilion at COP29 (the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Baku, Azerbaijan, was filled with panels debating the realization of a green economy guided by a just transition. Civil society, government, parliament, and the private sector joined forces to discuss opportunities for a responsible energy transition that aligns economic growth with environmental demands. Brazil, set to host the next COP in Belém next year, has been reclaiming a leading role in this agenda, with the COP29 discussions reinforcing the country's potential to take on this critical responsibility.
The Brazil Pavilion is the result of a strategic partnership between the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and various government institutions and private sector organizations. Partners include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA). Sponsors include the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Banco do Brasil (BB), Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF), Banco da Amazônia (BASA), the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae), the National Transport Confederation (CNT), the National Industry Confederation (CNI), Itaú, and the Climate and Society Institute (ICS).
"Brazil was absent from this agenda. The previous government even refused to host a COP. However, this agenda cannot be positively addressed globally without Brazil's involvement. This is not about opinions or political perspectives—Brazil must play a leading role in this agenda," said ApexBrasil President Jorge Viana during the opening of the Brazilian pavilion on Tuesday, November 12.
"ApexBrasil and BNDES are sending the message to the world that Brazil's image has been transformed, not only in terms of climate issues but also regarding forest restoration and social development. This leadership has been regained over the past two years," explained Luiz Navarro, Director of Compliance and Risk at BNDES. He highlighted the reactivation of the Amazon Fund and the Climate Fund, which had been completely stalled and now benefit from international resources. Navarro also mentioned two new projects: Sertão Vivo - Sowing Climate Resilience in Rural Communities in the Northeast and the Arc of Restoration project, aimed at restoring 6 million hectares of deforested areas by 2030 and another 28 million by 2050, achieving better carbon neutrality levels.
Luiz Lessa, President of BASA, emphasized that the bank, which serves a region home to 30 million residents in the Amazon across 450 municipalities, is the largest financier of development in the North Region. It provides credit and technical assistance while prioritizing the region's sustainable and social development. "Around 43% of all development investments in the Amazon come from BASA," said Lessa, noting the importance of COP30 in Belém and the bank's commitment to supporting regional infrastructure challenges.
Vander Costa, President of CNT, underscored the importance of more efficient logistics for exports, reducing pollutant emissions in transport. "Brazil has immense cargo transport potential, including for exported crops," he said. He noted that investments had tripled during Lula's government, from an annual budget of BRL 6 billion to BRL 18 billion, but much work remains. He advocated for the privatization of highways and the concession of waterways to boost investments, as well as the implementation of the Transcontinental Railway—an initiative between Brazil and Peru to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, crossing South America from east to west.
"Sebrae has been closely monitoring this energy transition and recognizes that it cannot happen without small businesses," said Margarete de Castro Coelho, Director of Administration and Finance at Sebrae. To support this, Sebrae launched Brazil's first ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) certification to help small businesses adapt to sustainable practices, encourage bioeconomies, and foster startups in remote areas. "We are working closely with ApexBrasil to create access channels for international markets," said Margarete, noting that less than 1% of small businesses are part of Brazil's trade balance. "Sebrae and Apex are the solution for making small businesses competitive abroad," she concluded.
Brazil Pavilion Program at COP29
COP29 in Baku continues until November 22. Until then, the Brazil Pavilion will host numerous discussions and presentations on the country's initiatives to combat climate change and promote sustainable economic development for Brazil and the world.
ApexBrasil’s YouTube channel offers live and recorded coverage of the entire program. Check out the full schedule of the Brazilian pavilion at COP29 here.
ApexBrasil Press Office
imprensa@apexbrasil.com.br
