Background and Relevance
In preparation for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) on climate change, scheduled to take place from November 10 to 21 in Belém, Brazil, Mexico City will host the first Ministerial Meeting of Latin America and the Caribbean for Regional Climate Action on August 25-26. This gathering aims to establish a unified regional stance on the climate crisis and bolster Latin America’s leadership within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Key Participants
Ministers and representatives from 22 Latin American and Caribbean countries will attend the meeting, which has been organized by Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of the Environment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Brazil’s upcoming COP30 presidency. Notable attendees include Patricia Espinosa, COP30 special envoy for Latin America and the Caribbean; Kristin Lang from the Green Climate Fund; Carlos Manuel Rodríguez from the Global Environment Facility; and René Orellana from the Development Bank of Latin America.
Meeting Objectives
Strengthening Regional Position: The meeting aims to consolidate common positions on the climate crisis and enhance Latin America’s leadership within the UNFCCC. This will be achieved by updating national climate commitments (NDCs), seeking financial resources, and establishing a regional roadmap focused on reducing inequalities and advancing environmental policies.
- Updating National Climate Commitments (NDCs): Participants will review and strengthen their NDCs to ensure they align with the global climate goals.
- Seeking Financial Resources: The meeting will explore avenues for securing financial support to implement climate actions and bridge funding gaps.
- Regional Roadmap for Environmental Policies: A unified strategy will be developed to address climate change challenges, focusing on reducing inequalities and advancing environmental policies.
Dialogue with Civil Society
The second day of the meeting will feature discussions with civil society organizations on ecosystem protection, relationships with land-owning communities, and a just transition for the workforce.
Synergies with Other International Frameworks
The meeting seeks to create synergies with other international frameworks, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this meeting? The primary objective is to establish a unified regional stance on the climate crisis and enhance Latin America’s leadership within the UNFCCC.
- Who are the key participants? Ministers and representatives from 22 Latin American and Caribbean countries, along with notable figures such as Patricia Espinosa, Kristin Lang, Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, and René Orellana.
- What are the main objectives of the meeting? The meeting aims to update national climate commitments, seek financial resources, and develop a regional roadmap focused on reducing inequalities and advancing environmental policies.
- What topics will be discussed with civil society organizations? Ecosystem protection, relationships with land-owning communities, and a just transition for the workforce.
- How does this meeting relate to other international frameworks? The meeting seeks to create synergies with other international frameworks, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
