Government of Pará gathers Amazonian and global leaders to strengthen climate action in the region ahead of COP 30
Meeting articulates strategies for climate federalism, just transition, and adaptation in Amazonian cities
The governor of Pará, Helder Barbalho, and the vice-governor Hana Ghassan met on Monday (9) with municipal authorities, representatives from national and international institutions, and climate leaders to strengthen relationships and enhance collaboration between global leaders and local authorities in the Amazon. The meeting took place at the Government Palace of Pará and is part of the preparatory agenda for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30), which will be held in the capital of Pará in November this year.
The agenda was structured into three main segments: opportunities from the COP30 Climate Action Agenda for the socioeconomic development of the State; strategies for climate federalism and just transition; and an open debate on challenges and solutions for adaptation and resilience in Amazonian cities. During the opening of the meeting, the head of the state executive reinforced Pará's historical responsibility in leading a COP focused on the Amazon territory and its inhabitants.
"It is very relevant for us to host an event of this magnitude. It is not just about the legacy we will leave for the city, but also the environmental and symbolic impact it represents for the entire Amazon. The choice of Belém by the United Nations is a unique opportunity for Brazil to lead the climate agenda and ambitions, distinguishing itself from other nations. We are fully aware of the centrality of this COP for humanity and the unique role it represents for our country," highlighted Helder.
For Vice-Governor Hana Ghassan, who also chairs the State Committee for COP30, the active participation of municipalities and the promotion of inclusive climate governance based on Amazonian reality is of utmost importance and relevance.
"It is a joint effort, not just of the State or the Public Power. It is a work of society as a whole. I, who am a person from the finance and practical management area, like to turn ideas into concrete actions, where everyone has their responsibility so that we can move forward and achieve the expected results," she reinforced.
Multi-level dialogue and partnership articulation mark the meeting
Among the participants were mayors from strategic municipalities such as Abaetetuba, Barcarena, Marituba, and Benevides, as well as representatives from the Federation of Industries of the State of Pará (FIEPA), Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services, and Tourism of the State of Pará (FECOMÉRCIO), Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of Pará (FAEPA), and Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (SEBRAE). The meeting also included members from the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), Climate Leadership Group of Cities (C40), World Resources Institute Brazil (WRI Brazil), and the UN Climate Champions team.
Representing COP 30 climate diplomacy, businessman and High-Level Climate Champion, Dan Ioschpe, praised the articulation efforts promoted by Pará and the ability to integrate different sectors of society in building an ambitious climate agenda.
"I hope that Belém will not be a COP of many negotiations, but a COP of much implementation. And a very important point here in the region is the issue of adaptation and resilience, and the municipalities have played a very important role in this. There are good stories to be shared," he said.
The program also included discussions on climate financing, encouragement of the bioeconomy, and pathways for expanding public-private partnerships. The exchange of experiences between municipalities and partner institutions consolidated proposals aimed at climate adaptation and ecological transition with social justice.
