President Lula, during the final thematic session of the G20 Brasil Leaders’ Summit on November 19, delivered a powerful call to action, emphasizing that “COP30 will be our last chance to avoid an irreversible rupture in the climate system.” Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, he urged wealthy nations to take greater responsibility, proposed the establishment of a UN Climate Change Council, and acknowledged the vital contributions of indigenous and traditional communities.

In his address, Lula highlighted the need for developed countries to advance their climate neutrality targets from 2050 to 2040 or 2045, stressing the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities for climate justice. He urged the G20’s developed members to assume their historical responsibilities to maintain credibility and demand ambition from others.

The speech also invited global leaders to make COP30 the “turnaround COP,” emphasizing the urgency of the upcoming conference. Lula announced continued collaboration with the UN and UNESCO on the Global Initiative for Climate Change Information Integrity, with a launch event scheduled for the afternoon.

The G20 Brasil Leaders’ Declaration, approved on November 18, underscores urgent global mobilization against climate change. Key commitments include reforms in international financial structures to support sustainable development, ensuring a just and inclusive energy transition, and recognizing indigenous peoples’ roles in forest conservation. The Declaration also addresses funding disparities for energy transitions and promises to facilitate financing for developing nations pursuing low-carbon economies.

Additional highlights from the Declaration include commitments to social inclusion, combating hunger and poverty, launching the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, and advocating for progressive taxation and taxing billionaires. For the first time, the forum also commits to mobilizing resources for basic sanitation, access to drinking water, and addressing racism and promoting racial equality in combating inequalities.