On the eve of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, CEBRI, in partnership with iCS, with the support of the City Hall and sponsorship from Siemens Energy, hosted a conference bringing together government, business, financial, and civil society leaders to discuss how the bloc can boost investments in climate, energy, agriculture, and digital transformation, focusing on the construction of intersectoral and lasting coalitions.

Held on July 3 at the City Palace, the event featured panels on energy transition, sustainable digital transformation, food security, climate financing, and international cooperation.

The opening included speeches from Henrique Villela (CEBRI), Teresa Borges (City Hall of Rio), Henrique Paiva (Siemens Energy), and Cintya Feitosa (iCS), who highlighted Brazil's presidency of BRICS in 2025 as a strategic opportunity to promote solutions that unite economic growth and sustainability.

In the Flash Talk, Matias Spektor (CEBRI/FGV) reflected on Brazil's role in BRICS, highlighting its diplomatic actions in the face of geopolitical disputes and strategic alliances.

With the main oil and gas producers now part of the expanded BRICS, Panel 1 brought together Mariana Espécie (Ministry of Mines and Energy), Henrique Paiva (Siemens Energy), Liu Dehua (Tsinghua University), and Tian Ming (CHIMBUSCO), moderated by Rafaela Guedes (CEBRI), to discuss the implementation of strategies for the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels, the advancement of biofuels, and the responsible and collective assurance of essential minerals.

In the Fireside Chat, a new format that brings direct conversation and a quick, fluid dialogue, Ana Zettel (BNDES) and Constanza Negri (CNI/CEBRICS), moderated by Julia Paletta (CEBRI), discussed how to mobilize the private sector in support of climate solutions through public policies, financing, and innovative business models.

In the second panel, the intersection of emerging technologies and challenges for sustainability in BRICS economies was discussed. Mediated by Danielle Ayres (GSI), the panel examined how digital innovations can accelerate climate solutions alongside inclusive growth. The panel featured Laudemar Aguiar (MRE), Sameep Shastri (CYL), Caroline Ranzani (ELEA Data Centers), and Virgílio Costa (Tata Consultancy Services).

During the Keynote Speech, Augusto Castro (MRE) presented the main points of the Brazilian climate agenda and discussed the development of mechanisms for mobilizing resources for the energy transition, as well as the importance of interconnection among the presidencies of the G20, BRICS, and COP30 for the consistency of climate financing actions.

In the third panel of the event, Helena Araújo (BRF and Marfrig), Alberto Pfeifer (Insper Agribusiness Global), and Gustavo de Carvalho (SAIIA), moderated by Feliciano de Sá Guimarães (CEBRI and USP), discussed the connection between food, water, and energy security in BRICS countries. The discussion highlighted how the agricultural diversity of the bloc could be an asset in promoting more resilient and sustainable food systems through integrated and innovative solutions involving both large and small producers, the private sector, academia, and governments.

The closing panel featured reflections from Izabella Teixeira (CEBRI) and Ambassador Marcos Caramuru (CEBRI), moderated by Feliciano Guimarães. The conversation addressed the current geopolitical landscape and prospects for BRICS amid rising global tensions, emphasizing the importance of Brazil's leadership in building an inclusive and coordinated climate leadership within the bloc.

As part of the project “BRICS Dialogue: Contributions for the Brazilian Presidency,” three policy papers were launched, co-authored with experts and think tanks from the BRICS countries. The documents aim to support strategic discussions and influence decisions in key instances of the bloc, contributing to a more coordinated and effective action by the Brazilian presidency. Read the full text HERE. 

 Credits: Mapa Fotografia

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