Luanda: The Secretary of State for Climate Action and Sustainable Development, Nascimento Soares, reaffirmed on Wednesday in Luanda the Angolan government's commitment to accelerating the low-carbon economic transition through structural policies that balance economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental preservation. Speaking at the opening of the conference on "Carbon, Green Finance, and Climate Justice - Strategies for Sustainable Development," the official indicated that climate change is a present reality, marked by prolonged droughts, floods, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Nascimento Soares emphasized the environment should be viewed not merely as an agenda item, but as a matter of national survival. He advocated for strategic and coordinated actions between the state, private sector, and civil society. The government has bolstered its sustainability commitments by establishing a national carbon market, supported by the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification Mechanisms (MRV) program. This initiative aims to valorize national ecosystems and mobilize climate finance.
He stated, "Green financing is the driving force behind the energy transition, and the national financial system must incorporate environmental and social criteria into its credit policies, and the private sector must view sustainability as an opportunity for competitiveness." The minister also highlighted Angola's progress with the National Strategy for Climate Change (ENAC 2022-2035), the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the National Adaptation Plan (UNAP), alongside the creation of the National Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification Platform and the development of the National Plan for the Reduction of Methane Emissions.
He noted that the government's commitment aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement, which reinforce integrating environmental, social, and economic policies to ensure climate justice and sustainable development. The Secretary called for joint efforts between countries, the private sector, and civil society, emphasizing that "every economic decision is also an environmental decision, and every action, no matter how small, contributes to shaping the world we will leave to future generations."
The event, hosted by the magazine Econ³mica e Mercado, features national and international experts, aiming to discuss the main challenges and opportunities related to sustainability.
