The Brazilian Pavilion at COP28 stands as a testament to the nation’s renewed commitment to environmental stewardship, signalling its return to the forefront of global sustainability endeavours. This vibrant hub of discussions and cultural exchanges, co-organised by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), reflects Brazil’s multifaceted approach to addressing environmental challenges.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), ApexBrasil President Jorge Viana highlighted Brazil’s remarkable presence at COP28, noting the country’s largest-ever delegation to the event. "The Brazilian Pavilion hosts over 70 conferences, facilitates over 200 meetings, while attracting an average of 1,000 visitors daily, firmly establishing itself as a central hub for dialogue and action within COP28," Viana remarked.
ApexBrasil estimates that over 5,000 individuals have visited the Pavilion in its first five days, engaging with its diverse offerings that cater to civil society, the private sector, the federal government, and subnational authorities. Among the highlights has been the Amazon Dialogue, bringing together government officials, civil society representatives, and companies to discuss strategies for combating poverty and deforestation in the region. Additionally, the Pavilion witnessed a bilateral meeting between Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad and United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, where the latter expressed support for Brazil’s Ecological Transformation Plan and the proposed hosting of COP30 in the Amazonian city of Belém.
The Pavilion’s vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by its invitation to visitors to sample Brazilian coffee amidst the sessions, symbolising the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Alongside engaging debates and cultural events, the Pavilion promotes the overarching message of "Brazil United in its Diversity on the Road to a Sustainable Future." This message is echoed in the Pavilion’s presentation of climate solutions along three pillars: sectoral technologies, resilient state institutions and instruments, and socio-diversity promotion.
Commenting on COP28, Viana acknowledged the importance of the event’s infrastructure, stating, “The United Arab Emirates has demonstrated exceptional hotel, transportation, air mobility, and venue infrastructure, which is essential for an event of this magnitude.”
Looking ahead to the remaining days of COP28, Viana expressed confidence that the Pavilion will continue to serve as a platform for impactful discussions across various sectors. "Our aspiration is to have a successful COP that yields tangible outcomes," he asserted. “The challenges of this COP are immense, but we are committed to making a difference,” Viana, who just returned from a quick trip to Germany alongside the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, added. Previously, Viana was in the UAE for the opening of COP as part of Lula’s delegation.
Regarding the prospect of hosting COP30 in Brazil, Viana underscored the immense responsibility and opportunity it presents. "Only a united Brazil can rise to the occasion of hosting COP30," he affirmed.
“Drawing inspiration from the success of COP28 in the UAE, we must harness our collective synergy to make this event a resounding success,” Viana concluded his remarks and descended to welcome the Minister for Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, Sonia Guajajara, who will temporarily lead the Brazilian delegation at COP28 until Minister for Environment and Climate, Marina Silva, returns to Dubai to assume her role in the coming days.