Brazil has appointed André Corrêa do Lago, the country’s secretary for climate, energy, and environment at the ministry of foreign affairs, as the president of the 30th session of the United Nations climate change conference (COP30).
NewsClick Nigeria reports that the high-level climate event is scheduled to take place from November 10 to 21 in Belém, Brazil.
Corrêa do Lago’s appointment was confirmed on Tuesday following a meeting between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and several of his ministers.
A seasoned negotiator in climate issues, Corrêa do Lago is expected to leverage his extensive experience to ensure the success of COP30.
An economist by training, he holds a degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and joined Brazil’s diplomatic corps in 1982.
Over the years, he has represented Brazil in various international events focused on energy, climate, and the environment.
Brazil also appointed Ana Toni, the national secretary for climate change at the ministry of environment, as the executive director of COP30.
Toni, an economist with a PhD in political science, has a robust background in climate advocacy.
She served as the executive director of the Institute for Climate and Society (ICS) from 2015 to 2022 and chaired Greenpeace International’s board from 2010 to 2017. She was also the director of the Ford Foundation in Brazil from 2003 to 2011.
Brazil, one of the key players in global climate negotiations, has submitted its nationally determined contribution (NDC) with a commitment to reduce emissions by 59 to 67 percent by 2035.
Dubbed the “Nature COP,” COP30 is expected to focus on advancing global discussions on transitioning away from fossil fuels and promoting sustainable solutions.
