President Lula Flags Green Financing Gaps

WASHINGTON, DC - On Wednesday (9), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) criticized what he termed "green neocolonialism" and advocated for easier access to international funding for sustainable projects. He made these remarks during a speech on the final day of the Amazon Summit, which concluded on the same day.

President Lula da Silva stated, "We cannot tolerate a form of green neocolonialism that, under the guise of environmental protection, imposes trade barriers and discriminatory measures, disregarding our regulatory frameworks and domestic policies."

He further added, "To achieve a significant improvement, what we truly require is long-term funding without conditionalities, aimed at green infrastructure and sustainable industrialization projects."

Though the speech wasn't broadcast, it was provided by the Palácio do Planalto. Subsequently, President Lula addressed the media to formally close the summit. Later in the day, he held bilateral meetings with the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo.

During the summit, the Brazilian president engaged in another meeting with representatives of countries that are part of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (OTCA) and that possess portions of the Amazon rainforest within their territories.

Additionally, the summit included participation from representatives of the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Indonesia – nations abundant in tropical forest reserves. Representatives from Norway and Germany, countries contributing to the Amazon Fund, were also present.