President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will travel to Turkey from November 9 to 20 to participate in the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), which will be hosted in Antalya. This trip, confirmed by Agência Brasil based on official information released by Itamaraty, marks Brazil's return to the international environmental arena after hosting COP28 in Belém in 2024.
In the official agenda of the conference, Lula is scheduled to deliver a speech during the opening ceremony on November 11 at noon, where his remarks will be reserved exclusively for heads of state of participating countries. This moment is considered strategic by environmental experts, as it allows world leaders to discuss national policies directly based on concrete data and verifiable targets. The presence of President Lula at this event reinforces Brazil's role as a key player in global climate policy.
Two official speeches: one for leaders, another open to the public
Lula's second speech will take place on November 11 around 5 p.m., during an open session of COP31. Unlike the first address, which is exclusive among heads of state, this presentation will be directed toward the general audience of participants and represent broad visibility into Brazil's environmental policies. The anticipated text is brief—about three minutes—but must include specific data on progress in forest conservation, carbon emissions reductions, and energy transition.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the speeches will be structured to highlight measurable results, such as the decline in deforestation in protected areas of the Amazon and Cerrado, as well as the economic benefits derived from environmental conservation. Agência Brasil reported that these figures are an integral part of the official message that Lula will bring to COP31, reinforcing the idea that Brazilian climate policies have a direct impact on global emissions reduction.
The role of the Tropical Forests Fund for Ever (TFFF)
During his stay, the president is expected to participate in a meeting of the Tropical Forests Fund for Ever (TFFF), with representatives from Norway, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. The session will officially confirm a contribution of US$ 500 million to the fund, which aims to strengthen forest conservation initiatives in tropical regions.
The TFFF is an international instrument created to promote sustainable environmental policies in South America and Central America. Brazil has been one of the main partners of this mechanism since its creation, especially after agreements reached during previous COP meetings. The approval of the new financing represents a diplomatic victory for the country, demonstrating the credibility of its climate targets vis-à-vis developed countries.
Advances in energy matrix: official data from the National Energy Balance (BEN)
The national energy balance of 2025 indicates that the Brazilian energy matrix reached 49.5% from renewable sources — a figure significantly higher than the global average of 14.5%. This data is directly extracted from the National Energy Balance (BEN), published by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The analysis shows a consistent trajectory in replacing fossil fuels with clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
In addition, regarding the electrical grid — which considers only electricity generation — Brazil has surpassed 80% from renewable sources. Among these, hydropower plants stand out, representing approximately 51.2% of the national generating capacity. This result is due to the expansion of rural distribution networks, investments in storage technology, and public policies aimed at sustainable development in the northern and central-west regions.
Reduction of emissions: targets of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)
Lula will also present data on a net reduction of 9% in greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil between 2-2025. This outcome is part of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), an official document that defines the country's climate goals until 2035.
The NDC anticipates a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions around 59%, with a maximum cap of 67%. These figures are based on official calculations from the Ministry of Environment, which take into account industrial production, transportation, agriculture, and energy sectors. The trajectory demonstrates continuous progress in combating climate change, especially after the environmental crisis years recorded between 2018 and 2023.
Bilateral agenda: over 15 leaders requested meetings
Itamaraty reported that more than 15 diplomatic leaders from other countries have already requested a bilateral agenda with President Lula during his stay at COP31. These requests include representatives from governments in South America, Asia, and Europe, focusing on issues such as sustainable development, forest cooperation, and environmental technological innovation.
However, confirmation of these meetings will directly depend on the availability of official commitments during the conference period. The presidential team is reviewing each request to ensure agreements are carried out within national and diplomatic priorities. It is likely that these meetings will take place on Friday morning (12), typical time for the Turkish calendar, with emphasis on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan — the official host of COP31.
Full trip: from Brasília to the Philippines
The president's itinerary will be clearly defined: he will leave Brasília heading toward Turkey on Monday morning (9) and arrive in Antalya during the early hours of day 10. The trip is planned according to the official schedule of international events and takes into account weather conditions and logistical aspects of international air travel.
After his commitments at COP31, the president will need to depart from this Eurasian country to attend the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which will take place in the Philippines. This shift in agenda demonstrates a broad diplomatic strategy: connecting environmental policies with regional development, especially in areas vulnerable to climate change such as the South Pacific.
To experts in the field of environment and global diplomacy, Lula's presence at COP3-1 is a clear signal that Brazil is solidifying its role as an international reference on combating deforestation and energy transition. The presentation of official data—including figures from BEN, NDC targets, and funding for TFFF—does not only reinforce national credibility but also establishes a strong foundation for future negotiations with developed and emerging countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that this participation represents more than mere representation: it is the continuation of an environmental policy shaped over years by governments, public investments, and international partnerships. Brazil already has a history of leadership in climate issues, such as COP28 in Belém, where a model of integrated forest management linked to the public health system—SUS—was presented and will be showcased at COP31 as an example of systemic responses to climate change.