Address by Minister Mauro Vieira at the “Sustainable and Inclusive Growth” session, on the occasion of the OECD Ministerial Meeting – Paris, June 7, 2023

Thank you, Minister.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Sustainable development and social inclusion are top priorities for Brazil. In our view, the economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development goals must be pursued in an integrated and balanced way, while considering the needs and capabilities of countries at different levels of development. 

The global nature of the social and environmental challenges we face demand coordinated international action, based on multilaterally agreed principles. Within this framework, it is paramount to design measures that promote positive incentives, which are more effective in fostering environmental protection than punitive actions.

Adversely, coercive and unilateral trade measures, supposedly   intended to induce environmental protection, undermine principles of core international legal instruments on the issue, such as the Paris Agreement, which is based on nationally determined voluntary strategies and commitments. Such measures can also constitute disguised restrictions on trade and will encourage reactions that lead to greater fragmentation of international trade system and to the exacerbation of inequalities among and within countries.

Throughout the green transition, developing countries cannot be relegated to the role of exporters of raw materials. In the face of the technological revolution required to achieve sustainable development, the necessary space for industrial policies in the developing world must be ensured, consistent with the rules of the WTO and other relevant frameworks.  

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Brazil would like to reiterate that, in the realm of sustainable development, developed countries have historical responsibilities. This is what underpins their commitments related to financing, training, and technology transfer, including the commitment to allocate USD 100 billion per year for environmental preservation in developing countries.  Funds from the private sector will be driven and stimulated by these resources, but will never replace them.

Finally, I would like to point out that financial aid to developing countries to preserve the environment also frees up resources for the fight against poverty and low levels of income, thus promoting economic inclusion and helping to address inequalities related to gender and race, among other factors. 

In order to achieve our goals, international cooperation and multilateralism are key factors. Therefore, OECD, WTO and other relevant economic fora have an important role to play in terms of fostering dialogue and helping countries to find common grounds for action. 

I thank you for your attention.