Helder Barbalho highlights the importance of subnational governments at COP30
Event, this Wednesday (12), at Estação das Docas, brings together international and national leaders in Belém, promoting dialogues on climate
The government of Pará received, this Wednesday (12), governors from various States and countries at Estação das Docas, in Belém, during the 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP30). The meeting held was an opportunity to discuss the essential role of subnational governments in addressing climate emergencies.
Opening the event, the governor of Pará and president of the Inter-State Consortium for Sustainable Development of the Legal Amazon, Helder Barbalho, emphasized the relevance of the moment: "It is a deep pride to welcome all of you. Our participation is crucial, as we deal directly with climate impacts and need to act on prevention and adaptation."
Helder Barbalho emphasized that the presence of subnational leaders is fundamental for building a sustainable future. The meeting included representatives from Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador, as well as governors from Brazilian States such as Espírito Santo, Maranhão, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Grande do Norte, and Piauí.
The head of the Pará Executive highlighted the importance of collaboration among different regions: "We need to unite efforts so that subnational States are part of the central agenda of discussions on climate change."
Marcelo Brito, special envoy of COP30 for the Amazon States, stated that "everything being discussed here will be implemented in the States and municipalities," he said. He also commented that cooperation and information exchange are fundamental to facing the challenges posed by climate change.
Philip Yang, special envoy for Urban Solutions for COP30, called for a more intense mobilization of governors to ensure their voices are heard in negotiations. "It is necessary to push for the inclusion of the subnational governments' agenda in the final decisions of COP30," he said. Yang believes that the unity of leaders can result in significant advances regarding climate issues.
The holding of COP30 in Belém represents a historic milestone. It is the first time the global conference takes place in the Amazon, a vital region for the global climate agenda. The presence of various delegations reinforces the importance of the meeting.
At the end of the morning, this Wednesday, the governors took an official photo, symbolizing unity for a common goal: to effectively and collaboratively address climate change. Helder Barbalho concluded his participation by highlighting the hospitality of the people of Pará: "We hope that everyone who passes through here knows the hospitality of our city."
