New York — In an unprecedented gathering of global powerhouses and vulnerable nations alike, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres convened a high-level Leaders’ Session on Climate and the Just Transition on Wednesday in New York.
The event, held just months ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, brought together 17 heads of state and government representing the world’s largest economies, most climate-threatened countries, and key regional blocs.
Among the distinguished participants were Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron, Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, European Council President António Costa, and CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley, among others.
The diversity and strategic weight of the group reflected the urgency and breadth of the climate crisis—and the growing consensus around the need for bold, coordinated action.
Unified Front, Urgent Message
In remarks following the session, Secretary-General Guterres emphasised that the gathering was one of the most inclusive and diverse meetings focused exclusively on climate action in recent memory. Despite global turbulence—from geopolitical conflicts to economic uncertainties—the message from leaders was clear: climate commitments must not falter.
“We must keep building momentum for action at COP30 in Brazil,” Guterres stressed. “We don’t have a moment to lose.”
He highlighted that climate change is not only an environmental emergency but a catalyst for deepening poverty, displacement, and global instability.
A Green Economic Revolution
A focal point of the discussion was the promise of renewable energy. Guterres reiterated that clean energy represents “the economic opportunity of the century,” and warned that no entity—be it corporate or governmental—can halt the momentum of the clean energy revolution.
“The pathway out of climate hell is paved by renewables,” he declared. “They offer the surest route to energy sovereignty, security, and economic transformation.”
Global leaders echoed this sentiment. President Xi Jinping, in a significant announcement, confirmed that China’s upcoming climate plan would cover all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases—an unprecedented commitment that Guterres called “extremely important for climate action.”
Calls for Ambitious National Climate Plans
A major outcome of the session was a collective pledge to deliver strong and comprehensive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) well ahead of COP30. These plans are expected to align with the 1.5°C target and outline full-economy emissions reductions, integration with development strategies, and accelerated shifts away from fossil fuels.
Solidarity with the Global South
Secretary-General Guterres issued a strong call for increased support to developing countries, noting the stark inequality in renewable energy investment and capacity.
“Africa, despite having 60% of the world’s best solar potential, has only 1.5% of installed solar capacity,” he said. “We must change this—fast.”
He called on developed nations to deliver on their long-standing promises, including mobilising $1.3 trillion annually for climate finance by 2035, doubling adaptation finance to $40 billion this year, and scaling contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.
Looking Ahead to COP30
As global leaders prepare to reconvene in Brazil later this year, the New York session has set a determined tone. A special event in September will continue the momentum, aimed at ensuring that COP30 becomes a turning point in global climate governance.
“We cannot, must not, and will not let up on climate action,” Guterres concluded.
Notable Participants included President João Lourenço (Angola/AU Chair), Prime Minister Mia Mottley (Barbados/CARICOM), President Gabriel Boric (Chile), President Xi Jinping (China), President Emmanuel Macron (France), President William Ruto (Kenya), President Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), President Bola Tinubu (Nigeria), President Surangel Whipps Jr. (Palau/AOSIS Chair), President Han Duck-soo (Republic of Korea) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Türkiye).
