International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil to discuss major energy and climate issues at the beginning of Brazil’s G20 Presidency.
Revealed in an official statement, the IEA delegation, led by Dr. Birol, visited Brasília to explore Brazil’s efforts to accelerate just and inclusive energy transitions during its G20 Presidency in 2024 and COP30 Presidency in 2025.
The meeting covered Brazil’s role as a sustainability champion and a strong voice for emerging economies, positioning it to lead the way in international action on energy and climate.
Brazil, a leader in biofuels, was recognized for its essential role in clean energy transitions. The IEA and Brazil have long collaborated on energy and climate issues, and Brazil officially joined the IEA Family as an Association country in 2017.
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Dr. Birol highlighted Brazil’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusiveness, which makes it uniquely suited to advance energy and climate negotiations, particularly on topics like the social dimension of energy transitions and mobilizing finance for clean energy in the developing world.
Dr. Birol and Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira signed the IEA and Brazil’s seventh two-year joint work programme, pledging to deepen cooperation on issues such as expanding energy access and clean energy manufacturing.
“Following my conversations here this week, the IEA looks forward to further deepening our excellent partnership with Brazil as it takes the lead on energy and climate issues globally. The next two years will be extremely important,” Dr Birol said.
“It’s a unique opportunity for the world – and the world is fortunate that Brazil will be leading, through the G20 and COP30, global efforts in an inclusive and just way. The IEA is ready to support Brazil in whatever ways we can – every day throughout the next two years, and beyond.”
