MOHAMMAD GHAZAL (BRASÍLIA)

As Brazil gears up to host COP30, Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's first-ever Minister of Indigenous Peoples, sees an opportunity to learn from the UAE's effective hosting of COP28, which achieved major advancements in climate action and finance by fostering consensus and engaging a wide spectrum of stakeholders.

Guajajara believes Brazil and the UAE share complementary strengths that could boost their collaboration in renewable energy, environmental preservation, and the protection of indigenous rights. She added that this partnership could extend to the exchange of expertise in biodiversity conservation, sustainable technologies and bioeconomic initiatives.

In an exclusive interview with Aletihad in Brasília, Guajajara praised the UAE's ability to address global challenges through practical initiatives, pointing to COP28's accomplishments as a framework for effective climate diplomacy. 

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She highlighted the UAE's establishment of the $30 billion Global Financing Fund, dubbed ALTÉRRA, and the adoption of the UAE Consensus as examples of outcomes Brazil should seek to emulate.

The ALTÉRRA fund, announced by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is designed to narrow the global climate financing gap. The initiative aims to mobilise $250 billion by 2030, channelling resources to underfunded regions and ensuring affordable access to sustainable technologies. 

Guajajara described the fund as an opportunity for Brazil to secure support for indigenous communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and climate change. 

"The Global Financing Fund represents a significant opportunity to ensure that the most vulnerable countries have access to the resources needed to tackle climate change. This is an important step toward global equity, and Brazil should actively engage in this process, in addition to seeking direct funding for indigenous peoples," she told Aletihad.

The Brazilian Minister also spoke highly of COP28's UAE Consensus, which establishes a clear framework for phasing out fossil fuels within energy systems in a fair and orderly manner, aligning global efforts with the 1.5°C temperature goal. She views the UAE's ability to unify divergent interests under this framework as an approach Brazil should seek to replicate at COP30.

"The Consensus represents a collective commitment to increase climate ambition and promote social justice. Its implications for global climate action are profound, as it can help ensure that the energy transition leaves no one behind," the Minister said.

Reflecting on the UAE's success, Guajajara stressed the importance of mobilising support from government entities, civil society, and private sector actors to drive climate action. 

"The experience of engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering innovative solutions will be crucial for tackling our environmental crises," she added.

As Brazil prepares for its role as a host of the world's biggest climate conference, Guajajara stressed the need for early sustained dialogue between COP28 and COP30 stakeholders to ensure continuity and build on the progress made in the UAE. According to her, this involves the establishment of mechanisms for exchanging best practices, particularly in areas where indigenous peoples and traditional communities can inform policy.

"COP30 should focus on turning the promises made into concrete actions, using successful experiences to implement policies that prioritise sustainability and justice for peoples living in harmony with nature," Brazil's Minister of Indigenous Peoples said.

The Minister also highlighted the need for developing countries to take a leading role in shaping the agenda at COP30, explaining that their lived experiences with climate impacts make them uniquely positioned to propose innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges. 

"They should be protagonists in the discussions, as their experiences and challenges are fundamental for building effective solutions to the climate crisis. They will need support from developed countries to remain at the forefront of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. We must protect those who are the greatest guardians of life on the planet."

Guajajara framed Brazil's vision for COP30 as one rooted in justice and equity, with a strong emphasis on the protection of indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands. 

"Our message is clear: we are ready to lead with examples of climate justice, forest protection, and the promotion of indigenous peoples' rights, while seeking a just and sustainable transition," she said.