ISAP2025: Plenary 2 (PL-2)

Plenary 2 (PL-2)

29 July 2025
JST 10:50 - 11:50 (GMT+09:00)
503 + Online
Simultaneous interpretation

Accelerating Climate Action through a Synergistic Approach: Delivering on Net-Zero and Sustainable Development at COP30

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Summary

The moderator opened the session by introducing the full-scale implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It was emphasised that these mechanisms are not only instruments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also drivers of broader social, environmental and economic co-benefits. In particular, integrating climate action with biodiversity conservation, circular economy and social equity was highlighted as a central theme at COP30 in Brazil. Each panelist was asked: "What is the vision of the synergy approach?" and "How do we move forward and take action?" These questions guided a discussion focused on practical steps to translate commitments into real-world outcomes.

The first speaker explained that COP30 will be the first to fully utilise the Global Stocktake (GST), a mechanism critical for assessing progress and guiding future mitigation efforts. GST provides an opportunity to align climate actions with SDGs, particularly poverty reduction, decent work, and social inclusion. The second speaker reflected on the historical evolution from the 1992 Rio Summit through the Millennium Development Goals to the SDGs, highlighting the importance of learning from past frameworks. The speaker also introduced the Brazilian concept of “Mutirão,” representing voluntary collective action by local communities, illustrating the value of inclusive collaboration and grassroots engagement.

The third speaker discussed nature-based solutions (NbS) and the role of sustainable tropical timber frameworks, emphasising their contributions to forest conservation, carbon sequestration, and food and water security. These approaches demonstrate how forest management can support both climate and local livelihoods. The fourth speaker highlighted economic risks to agriculture under a 1.5°C warming scenario, noting potential reductions in rice and dairy production. The speaker stressed the need for climate technologies that are economically viable, scalable, and capable of generating co-benefits across multiple sectors.

In the subsequent discussion, the first speaker highlighted that NbS can address both mitigation and adaptation while generating employment and supporting healthier communities, and should be integrated into national strategies. The second speaker introduced the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), a Brazilian investment fund that provides financial incentives for forest preservation and encourages international collaboration. The third speaker pointed out the lack of investment in Africa and called for systematic integration of existing initiatives, knowledge and resources into a coordinated framework. The fourth speaker expressed concern that forests are often overlooked and stressed the importance of replicating successful models led by ITTO.

In closing, the moderator underscored COP30’s significance, marking ten years since the adoption of the SDGs and the first COP in Brazil since 1992. It was emphasised that translating commitments into concrete actions requires coordinated efforts across policy, technology, finance and stakeholders, with inclusive engagement of youth and countries at all development stages. The session concluded with the shared recognition that a synergy-driven approach, leveraging innovative tools and partnerships, is essential to achieve net-zero and sustainable development goals simultaneously.

Key Messages

With the Paris Agreement rulebook largely finalised, COP30 should become “an implementation COP” by moving from commitments to concrete action. Immediate action guided by the GST is essential, promoting integrated progress on poverty and social challenges.
Climate, biodiversity, circular economy, forest conservation, health, and water and energy security should be addressed by using synergistic and integrated approaches. Tools such as NDCs, GST, Article 6 and NbS can be leveraged to achieve SDGs simultaneously.
Mechanisms like TFFF mobilise public and private funds. Scalable implementation through collaboration and knowledge-sharing with youth, developing and developed countries, enables broad, effective implementation.

Panel Discussion

Moderator
KOAKUTSU Kazuhisa, Director of the Paris Agreement Article 6 Implementation Partnership Center, IGES

Henrique ELLER, Head of Energy, Environment and Agriculture, Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil

Purvi MEHTA, Senior Global Climate Specialist

Sheam SATKURU, Executive Director, International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)

Perumal ARUMUGAMPILLAI KALYANI, Manager, Markets and Non-Markets Support and Stakeholder Interaction Sub-Division, Mitigation Division, UNFCCC

KOAKUTSU Kazuhisa

Director of the Paris Agreement Article 6 Implementation Partnership Center, IGES

Henrique ELLER

Head of Energy, Environment and Agriculture, Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil

Purvi MEHTA

Senior Global Climate Specialist

Sheam SATKURU

Executive Director, International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)

Perumal ARUMUGAMPILLAI KALYANI

Manager, Markets and Non-Markets Support and Stakeholder Interaction Sub-Division, Mitigation Division, UNFCCC