Brazil, 7 November 2025 — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to defending its climate and development priorities ahead of the COP30 Leaders’ Summit on climate change, during a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the host city of Belem.
Youssouf said the African Union’s participation in the summit will focus on reforming the global climate finance system to ensure fairness for African nations, achieving a just and equitable energy transition, and strengthening adaptation and resilience to environmental challenges across the continent.
He also underlined the need to recognize Africa’s leadership role in sustainable development, in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063.
President Lula welcomed deeper cooperation with the African Union on shared environmental priorities, affirming Brazil’s support for efforts to amplify the voice of developing nations in global climate negotiations and to advance practical partnerships that balance economic growth with environmental protection.
