On Thursday, September 5, the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS), through the Climate Thematic Chamber, held a strategic meeting with the National Secretary for Climate Change of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA), Ana Toni. The event, which took place at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro, brought together executives from companies associated with CEBDS and addressed the strengthening of private sector participation in Brazilian climate policies, focusing on topics such as the Conferences of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COPs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Climate Plan.

The meeting took place at a crucial time for Brazil, which is about to host COP30, scheduled for 2025 in the Amazon, and is in the process of formulating its next NDC. With the growing global demand for bolder climate action, the role of the private sector is becoming increasingly central in the implementation of national and international goals. CEBDS, acting as the main platform for dialogue between companies and government, seeks to consolidate the Brazilian business sector as an essential partner in building solutions to the climate crisis.

Dialogue round and main themes 

The meeting also featured a round of debates among participants, who discussed how the business sector can act to increase the ambition of Brazil's climate goals, especially in relation to the new NDC and the Climate Plan.

Other points discussed included Brazil's participation in international events, such as Climate Week, the G20 and COP29, as well as local decarbonization and bioeconomy initiatives. The Climate Plan and climate finance mechanisms, such as the carbon market, were also widely discussed. The importance of the next NDC being accompanied by a clear implementation plan, which facilitates private investment and creates conditions for the climate transition in Brazil, was also reinforced.

Private sector engagement and next steps

The private sector has already demonstrated its commitment to the climate agenda, as pointed out by several representatives present at the meeting. Companies have invested in innovative solutions, promoting decarbonization initiatives and implementing green technologies, often in partnership with the government. During the discussion, it became clear that the role of the business community will be even more strategic as Brazil approaches COP30 and seeks to consolidate its global leadership in the area of climate change.

In addition to national targets, the meeting also explored how the private sector can contribute to fulfilling the global commitments undertaken by Brazil, including the implementation of the Climate Plan, a fundamental instrument to ensure that climate targets are transformed into concrete actions. 

At the end of the meeting, the commitment to continued dialogue between the government and the private sector was reaffirmed, with the aim of deepening discussions and advancing the actions necessary to address the climate emergency. 

With COP30 on the horizon, Thursday’s meeting highlighted the importance of close collaboration between government and business, not only to create more ambitious goals, but also to ensure that these goals are implemented effectively. CEBDS will continue to act as a bridge between the business sector and the government, strengthening Brazil’s role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.