Two exhausting but very rewarding weeks. In recent days, New York has been at the center of discussions related to sustainability, due to the events of Climate Week, SDG Summit and also the United Nations General Assembly. I was able to participate in a series of events involving different stakeholders and summarized some of the discussions below:
Brazil's leading role
Alok concert together with Yawanawa People
Brazil was the stage in many places. The Government and the private sector had a massive presence as protagonists and proponents of discussions, with ambitious goals and clear commitments in relation to different themes. It was really cool to participate in events like SDGs in Brazil organized by Global Compact Brazil Local Network, which brought indigenous culture to the stage with a modern touch, or even the shows with a lot of Bahia culture around the city. Expectations are high in relation to our Country, especially now in the geopolitical context, whether in the G20, BRICS or in the organization of the next COP 30, which will take place in the Amazon.
Biodiversity
Speaking of the Amazon, a lot has been said about it. I really enjoyed participating in some panels with the presence of indigenous people and the people who live there. Although most of the discussions are still led by governments and private sector agents (such as the important Movimento Impacto Amazonia), a voice that is not always heard was present, as for example in the panel mediated by Luciano Huck who brought Roberto Brito to talk about his experience in generating wealth with the standing forest through sustainable tourism, and the voice of Olivia Tirko (Nação Chapra - Peruvian Amazon) during the World Biodiversity Summit.
The debates on biodiversity highlighted the need to bring the agenda of this time together with the climate agenda, to build systemic solutions.
Climate and Climate Justice
In terms of including different voices, the importance of addressing climate justice and ensuring equitable access to benefits and resources for all communities, especially those that are disproportionately affected by climate change, was a prominent theme. Discussions highlighted the need for inclusive policies that prioritize vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Once again the tone was one of urgency regarding climate ambitions and transition commitments. As I said, the private sector came strong, and a flurry of company events took place in parallel, complementing debates. It remains to be seen the relationship between discourse and practice.
Finance and investment
Despite the “Anti ESG” wave, the presence of the financial sector was also constant, especially banks and company CFOs. The focus was on aligning business investment with sustainability policies and strategies whenever possible, and of course directing capital towards innovations that generate impact on society. United Nations Global Compact launched the Forward Faster initiative which encouraged systemic commitment by companies in this direction.
Innovation
Some events presented technologies and innovations in sustainable practices. Discussions focused on green energy solutions, carbon capture technologies, circular economy models, and advances in transportation and agriculture to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Once again, Brazil can shine. Whether in sustainable fuels such as green hydrogen and SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuels) and agricultural practices - presenting innovative approaches that balance food security with environmental preservation.
Now it’s time to follow the next steps and developments. In my role as an educator, the focus is on taking these reflections to the classroom and enhancing the impact of students as current and future leaders who will manage this change and transition.
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