Portugal Urges China to Fund Poor Nations at COP29: A New Perspective on Global Donors

Portugal's Environment Minister Calls for Change at COP29

In a recent statement made in Baku, Portugal's Environment Minister, Maria da Graça Carvalho, expressed her hopes that the COP29 conference will bring a "new vision" regarding the identity of global donors, particularly emphasizing the need for China to take a leading role in financing poorer countries.

Absence of Prime Minister

Carvalho acknowledged the absence of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro at the conference, stating that while she would have preferred his presence, he is currently focused on the State Budget and thus unable to attend. This situation has drawn some criticism from environmentalists, who are calling for higher visibility of political leaders at such crucial gatherings.

The Importance of Global Cooperation

The minister's remarks highlight the ongoing discussions about the responsibilities of wealthier nations and emerging economies in supporting global development and sustainability efforts. This reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of international support systems and the need for collaborative approaches to address climate change and economic disparities.

Portugal's call for China to step up as a donor underscores the shifting dynamics in global finance and environmental responsibility as countries prepare for the challenges ahead in climate negotiations.