The bioeconomy is emerging as a central pillar of the global climate agenda. At COP30 in Belém, Brazil — under the coordination of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and the COP30 Presidency — the Bioeconomy Challenge is being launched to translate the G20 High-Level Principles on the Bioeconomy into concrete, measurable action by 2028.
Throughout COP30, a series of events will delve into the Bioeconomy Challenge, highlighting its goals, working groups, governance model and pathway to impact and scaling solutions.
Official Launch of the Bioeconomy Challenge at COP30
📅 Date: November 17, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00–1:30 PM
📍 Location: UNFCCC Special Events Rooms (Blue Zone) – SE Room Parnaíba (Theatre)
The launch will feature two interactive blocks:
Block 1 – Shaping the Role of Bioeconomy in the International Arena (50 min)
Moderators: Marcelo Behar- COP30 Special Envoy for Bioeconomy
- Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil
- Mary Creagh, Minister for Rural and Environmental Affairs of the United Kingdom
- Jennie Dodson, Policy, Advocacy and Member Mobilization Senior Director WBCSD
- Carsten Schneider, Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Germany
- Juan Carlos Jintiach, Executive Secretary of the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities – GATC
- South Africa Representative TBC
Block 2 – Turning Principles into Practices (50 min)
Moderators: Carina Pimenta, National Bioeconomy Secretary of Brazil and Chair of the Steering Committee
- Kaveh Zahedi, Director of Climate & Biodiversity, FAO
- Chantal Line-Carpentier, Chief of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development, UNCTAD
Luana Maia, Global Brazil Lead, NatureFinance - Mirela Sandrini, Executive Director, WRI
- Juan Pablo Bonilla, Manager of Climate Change and Sustainable Development Sector, IADB
These sessions will explore how the initiative can align innovation, finance, and community-led solutions to scale sustainable investment in nature, strengthen governance, and advance inclusive climate action.
Other Bioeconomy Challenge Events at COP30
Workshop: Sociobioeconomy and the Future of the Global Bioeconomy
Hosted by the Sociobioeconomy Working Group (WRI)
📅 November 12, 2025 | 4:15–5:15 PM
📍 Belém+10 Pavilion, Green Zone
A discussion on strengthening sociobioeconomy as a strategic component of the global bioeconomy, connecting territorial, institutional, and productive perspectives.
Launch of the Bioeconomy Challenge Market Development Working Group
Led by the Market Development Working Group (UNCTAD)
📅 November 14, 2025 | 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 ISO Pavilion, Blue Zone
Launch of the working group focused on market development and trade for sustainable bioeconomy value chains, supporting fair, transparent, and inclusive global markets. More information here.
Official Launch of the Bioeconomy Challenge
Hosted by Brazil’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and NatureFinance
📅 November 17, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 PM
📍 UNFCCC Special Events Rooms (Blue Zone) – SE Room Parnaíba (Theatre)
The official launch will outline the roadmap for a global bioeconomy, coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and the COP30 Presidency, with support from FAO, IDB Group, UNCTAD, and WRI.
Roundtable: Advancing Bioeconomy Metrics
Hosted by the Metrics Working Group (FAO)
📅 November 18, 2025 | 3:30–4:30 PM
📍 UNFCCC Special Events Rooms (Blue Zone) – Room Axis 2
A technical discussion on developing shared standards and indicators to guide measurable progress through 2028.
Join the Conversation
Government representatives, partners, and organizations at COP30 are invited to participate in these events and contribute to shaping a coherent, inclusive, and measurable global bioeconomy.
📣 For media inquiries and interview requests:
Please contact communications@bioeconomychallenge.org