07/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/07/2026 08:03
The President of the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference, H.E. André Aranha Corrêa do Lago of #Brazil , this afternoon paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, at the AU Headquarters.
During the meeting, H.E. Corrêa do Lago conveyed a message of goodwill from H.E. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, expressing Brazil's appreciation for the AU's active engagement & constructive contribution to the outcomes of COP30 held in Belém.
The Chairperson congratulated Brazil on its successful stewardship of COP30 & commended President Lula's leadership in advancing global #climate action & multilateral cooperation.
He welcomed the progress made in Belém, particularly on climate finance, adaptation, & the operationalisation of the Loss & Damage Fund, describing these as important steps towards a more equitable global climate architecture.
However, the Chairperson underscored the persistent gap between commitments & implementation. He noted that many of the pledges made have yet to translate into meaningful support for vulnerable countries, while communities across Africa continue to bear the disproportionate impacts of climate change despite the continent contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.
He reiterated Africa's longstanding call for climate justice & stressed the urgent need for accessible, predictable, & adequate climate finance that responds to the continent's adaptation & resilience priorities.
Chairperson Youssouf expressed confidence that the momentum generated in Belém would be carried forward by COP31 in Türkiye & COP32, to be hosted by Ethiopia. He invited Brazil to share its experience, technical expertise, & institutional capacity to support Ethiopia's preparations & contribute to the success of the conference.
H.E. Corrêa do Lago reaffirmed Brazil's commitment to promoting a fairer & more inclusive system of global climate governance that reflects the priorities of developing countries. He acknowledged Africa's pivotal role in the COP30 negotiations & its continued leadership in shaping the international climate agenda.
He informed the Chairperson that the Brazilian COP30 Presidency will present three implementation roadmaps later this year, focusing on ending deforestation, accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, & advancing the delivery of the US$1.3 trillion climate finance goal.
They also exchanged views on Brazil's candidature to lead the Global Climate Facility, & Africa's candidate for the position of Director-General of the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), expressing confidence that both candidates possess the experience, leadership, & technical credentials required to advance the global sustainable development & climate agenda.