SWITZERLAND STRENGTHENS COOPERATION IN SUSTAINABILITY ACTIONS IN BRAZIL
“Switzerland and sustainability in Brazil” was the theme of the meeting, in a hybrid format, that brought together representatives from both countries and Swiss businessmen in Brazil, on January 27, in São Paulo. The Swiss Embassy’s initiative aimed to present the commitments of Swiss actors to sustainable development and areas with business potential, in addition to strengthening and expanding cooperation with Brazil.
The Swiss ambassador to Brazil, Pietro Lazzeri, highlighted that there are more than 120 Swiss sustainability initiatives in Brazil, most of them from companies, as well as associations, academic institutions and government agencies. These actions contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this sense, the eradication of poverty and hunger; the promotion of quality health and education; and the expansion of clean water, sanitation and renewable energy were highlighted.
Within the framework of the 2030 Agenda, Switzerland aims to achieve sustainable development that takes into account the environment, society and the economy. In this sense, the proposal is to survey the areas that the European country can contribute to Brazil through agreements, partnerships and business. “For Switzerland, Brazil is a bilateral, regional and global key player in the field of the environment, biodiversity and sustainability,” said the Ambassador.
The event was attended by the Minister of the Environment, Joaquim Alvaro Pereira Leite. He pointed out that the new Interministerial Committee on Climate Change and Green Growth (CIMV) was created. CIMV’s main goals are the conservation of native forests, the rational use of natural resources, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the generation of green jobs. “The federal government, through its banks, has billions of resources for green investments and financing in the direction of this new green economy, neutral in emissions”, said the Minister.
CIMV, Leite explained, is the result of commitments made at the 26th edition of the Climate Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. “Brazil has transformed the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) into one of the most ambitious of the developing countries of the G20”, he said.
Another proposal established, according to the minister, was the legal framework for solid waste in Brazil, which is enabling the creation of the Methane Zero program. “It is a gigantic opportunity to produce energy and clean fuels, in a decentralized way, which until today has been practically unexplored”, highlighted the minister.
Held by the Swiss Embassy, the meeting was supported by the Swiss Consulate General in São Paulo, Swiss Business Hub Brazil, SWISSCAM Swiss-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Swissnex in Brazil.
Credit: Swiss Business Hub Brazil