On September 22, 2025, the world took a significant step forward in the fight against climate change when Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and 16 other heads of state and government signed a joint letter in defense of a fair and equitable energy transition. Announced in New York during the opening of the United Nations General Assembly and coinciding with New York Climate Week, the letter signals a renewed urgency to accelerate the production and consumption of clean energy. It also references the commitments made at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, underscoring the global community’s mounting determination to act decisively.
The timing of the announcement is no accident. With COP30 set to take place in the Amazon city of Belém in November, the joint letter paves the way for robust discussions about the future of energy and climate action. The signatories—representing a diverse array of countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the European Commission, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Norway, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, as well as the International Energy Agency and the International Renewable Energy Agency—are unified in their call for urgent action.
According to Agência Brasil, the letter highlights that investments in clean energy currently outstrip those in fossil fuels, a hopeful sign that the world’s priorities may be shifting. Still, the document does not shy away from the challenges ahead. It warns of persistent regional inequalities, particularly the low levels of funding available for clean energy projects in African and Asian countries. "This decade will be decisive in determining whether the world will be able to move toward a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future," the signatories emphasize, echoing the sense of urgency felt across the globe.
One of the most notable outcomes of this agreement is the announcement of the Global Energy Transitions Forum. Designed as a space for cooperation between governments, banks, companies, and international institutions, the forum aims to expand investments, reduce risks, and offer support to developing countries. The forum’s creation is seen as a critical step toward bridging the gap between ambitious climate commitments and real-world action, especially for the world’s most vulnerable regions.
The letter sets forth ambitious targets. By 2030, the signatories aim to install 11 terawatts of renewable energy capacity—an eye-watering figure that, if achieved, would represent a seismic shift in the world’s energy landscape. In addition, the goal is to triple clean energy generation and double energy efficiency within the same period. These targets are not just aspirational; they are seen as essential benchmarks if the world is to have any chance of limiting global warming and avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
Yet, the signatories are clear-eyed about the obstacles. The letter stresses the pressing need for reforms in the global financial architecture to enable the necessary investments and to ensure that climate commitments are translated into concrete actions. Without such reforms, leaders warn, there is a risk that the world will fall short of its goals. "The need for reforms in the global financial architecture is urgent," the text states, calling for a system that better supports developing nations and unlocks the capital needed for a true energy transition.
For many observers, the momentum generated by this letter is both inspiring and overdue. The fact that investments in clean energy now outpace those in fossil fuels is a sign that the world’s financial markets are starting to recognize the risks associated with carbon-intensive industries. However, the regional disparities highlighted in the letter are a sobering reminder that the transition to clean energy must be inclusive if it is to be successful.
Uruguay, one of the signatory countries, is a case in point. According to BNamericas, as of September 23, 2025, HIF’s US$6 billion e-fuels project in Uruguay is advancing in the permitting process. This massive investment in synthetic fuel production underscores Uruguay’s commitment to clean energy innovation and positions the country as a leader in the region’s energy transition. The project, once operational, is expected to contribute significantly to both Uruguay’s domestic energy needs and the broader international push for cleaner fuels.
The HIF e-fuels project is emblematic of the kind of large-scale, forward-thinking investments that the joint letter seeks to encourage. By harnessing renewable energy to produce synthetic fuels, Uruguay is not only reducing its own carbon footprint but also providing a model for other countries seeking to decarbonize their energy systems. The project’s progress through the permitting process is being closely watched by industry experts and policymakers alike, who see it as a bellwether for future clean energy developments in Latin America and beyond.
The letter’s call for cooperation is also reflected in the makeup of the Global Energy Transitions Forum. By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders—from governments and banks to companies and international organizations—the forum aims to foster the kind of cross-sector collaboration that is essential for overcoming the complex challenges of the energy transition. The hope is that by pooling resources and expertise, the forum can help unlock new sources of funding, reduce investment risks, and accelerate the deployment of clean technologies where they are needed most.
As the world looks ahead to COP30 in Belém, the stakes could hardly be higher. The Amazon, often referred to as the "lungs of the planet," is both a symbol of the world’s natural wealth and a frontline in the battle against climate change. Hosting COP30 in this iconic location serves as a powerful reminder of what is at risk—and what stands to be gained if the world can rise to the challenge.
For developing countries, the commitments outlined in the joint letter offer a glimmer of hope. By prioritizing investments in clean energy and calling for reforms that make financing more accessible, the signatories are sending a message that no country should be left behind in the global energy transition. The emphasis on equity and fairness is not just rhetoric; it is a recognition that the fight against climate change will only succeed if it is truly global in scope.
As leaders prepare for the next round of climate negotiations, the joint letter signed in New York stands as both a blueprint for action and a rallying cry. With ambitious targets, a commitment to inclusivity, and a clear-eyed assessment of the challenges ahead, the signatories have set the stage for a decisive decade. Whether the world can deliver on these promises remains to be seen, but the momentum is unmistakable—and the stakes could not be higher.