As the world convened in Belém, Brazil, for the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), Club de Madrid actively contributed to high-level discussions linking climate action, democracy, human rights and inclusive leadership. Across a series of strategic events, the organisation highlighted the urgent need to protect environmental defenders, promote gender-responsive climate governance, and accelerate collective action for a sustainable future.
Defending Those Who Protect the Planet
On 12 November, Club de Madrid hosted the official COP30 side event “Challenges for Environmental Protection in Democracies: The Struggles of Environmental Human Rights Defenders” at the Spain Pavilion in the Blue Zone.
The session addressed the growing threats faced by environmental defenders worldwide, particularly in Latin America, where the majority of killings have occurred. Speakers explored how democratic institutions can strengthen protection mechanisms, ensure gender-sensitive responses, and reinforce international cooperation.
The panel featured Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and Vice-President of Club de Madrid; Macaé Evaristo, Brazil’s Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship; Michael Forst, Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the Aarhus Convention; Jiten Yumnam, from the Centre for Research and Advocacy in India; and Joara Marchezini, representative under the Escazú Agreement. The discussion was moderated by Carlos de Miguel from CEPAL.
More information:
https://clubmadrid.org/challenges-for-environmental-protection-in-democracies-the-struggles-of-environmental-human-rights-defenders/
Women, Climate and Power
On 13 November, Club de Madrid partnered with Plataforma CIPÓ and Brazilian institutional actors to co-host the event “Women, Climate and Power”, bringing together national and international leaders committed to gender equality and just climate policies.
The high-level dialogue included Michelle Bachelet and María Elena Agüero, Secretary-General of Club de Madrid, alongside key Brazilian political figures, ministers, parliamentarians and civil society leaders. The discussion underscored the central role of women’s leadership in shaping inclusive climate governance and democratic resilience.
Global Leadership for Faster Climate Action
Club de Madrid also participated in a high-level panel convened by the Igarapé Institute, focused on accelerating climate progress between COP cycles. Representing the organisation, Carlos Alvarado, former President of Costa Rica and Club de Madrid Member, joined global leaders including Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly; Patricia Espinosa, Special Envoy of COP30 for Latin America and the Caribbean; Catherine Abreu, Executive Director of ICPH; and youth and civil society leaders.
The discussion reflected on progress since the Paris Agreement while emphasizing the urgency of faster implementation — echoing President Lula’s message that the world is moving in the right direction, but not quickly enough.
Mobilising Business for Climate Action
On 15 November, Club de Madrid participated in the high-level panel “The Business Case for Sustainability” at the SDG Pavilion in the COP30 Blue Zone, convened by EY.
Carlos Alvarado, former President of Costa Rica and Club de Madrid Member, joined Dominique Perron, EY Global Leader for the United Nations and related agencies, and Nabil Kadri, Deputy Managing Director of Brazil’s Development Bank (BNDES), in a discussion on how the private sector can move from climate ambition to concrete implementation.
The panel explored aligning corporate strategies and investment with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), mobilising blended finance mechanisms such as the Amazon Fund, and strengthening multilateral cooperation to close the global climate financing gap — while safeguarding human rights and democratic values.
Launch of the LEAD Network for Environmental Defenders
A major milestone at COP30 was the official launch of LEAD – the Global Network of Leaders for Environmental Activists and Defenders, a Club de Madrid initiative aimed at strengthening political leadership and international protection for those on the frontlines of environmental defense.
Unveiled at the Ford Pavilion to a full audience, the launch featured voices such as Michelle Bachelet, Sônia Guajajara and Michel Forst, reaffirming the critical role of global leaders in safeguarding defenders and amplifying their impact.
Learn more about LEAD:
https://clubmadrid.org/work/projects/lead-initiative/
Strengthening Democracy Through Climate Action
Through these engagements, Club de Madrid reaffirmed its commitment to placing human rights, democratic governance and inclusive leadership at the heart of global climate action. From defender protection to women’s leadership and international cooperation, COP30 marked a key moment in advancing climate justice as a pillar of resilient democracies.
