During the Local Leaders Forum organized by the Bloomberg Foundation and COP30 Presidency in Rio de Janeiro from November 3-5, 2025, Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force (GCFTF) Governors and Environment Secretaries represented their jurisdictions and the full network. GCFTF Governors were invited to participate on panel discussions, plenary remarks, closing ceremonies, and bilateral sessions to advance the New Forest Economy, partnership proposals for long-term sustainable financing, and attract investment to accelerate the implementation of their jurisdictional decarbonization and forest protection programs. In organizing a States and Regions Summit on November 4, the GCFTF partnered with sister subnational networks, including the Under2 Coalition, Regions4, ABEMA, U.S. Climate Alliance, ICs, and the European Committee of Regions. More information on the full event is available here.
The GCFTF network was well represented by the following leaders:
- Governor Manuel Gambini (Ucayali, Peru) provided opening keynote remarks on the importance of subnational governments for building a New Forest Economy and the urgent need for increasing funding within Peru. Governor Gambini also discussed Peruvian experiences on powering climate transitions during a later panel.
- Prefect Tiyua Uyunkar Kaniras (Morona Santiago, Ecuador) offered expert views on jurisdictional approaches for protecting forests centered on provincial and Indigenous Nation partnership.
- Deputy Secretary for the Environment Renata Silva e Souza (Acre, Brazil) presented on the long-history of leadership within this key state of the Brazilian Amazon.
- Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot (California, USA) presented on California’s leading efforts around infrastructure, water, and adaption.
- Governor Jorge Rene Chavez Silvano (Loreto, Peru) summarized key messages from a panel on a just and equitable transition, offering critical perspectives from the border region of Loreto.
- Secretary of the Environment Leonardo Carvalho (Acre, Brazil) provided an update on the unlocking subnational financing through innovative approaches his state has undertaken with respect to carbon markets, community engagement, and benefits sharing.
- Governor Antonio Pulgar (Huánuco, Peru) reminded the audience of the unique role that subnational states and provinces have in both attracting and implementing financing to protect large-scale territories, and the ongoing urgency of increasing opportunities for such support.
- Carlos Aragon (GCFTF Brazil Director) participated throughout the events to provide perspective from the GCFTF Secretariat and to support our member Governors and Secretaries in their engagement.
(Photos courtesy of The Climate Group and Mancomunidad Regional Amazonica)
Finally, Governors and other local leaders issued a COP30 Local Leaders Forum Joint Outcome Statement, a declaration of support from more than 14,000 cities, towns, states, regions, and provinces across every continent, affirming their collective commitment to advancing real, on-the-ground climate solutions. This statement, in which the GCFTF was included through endorsement by Governor Gladson Cameli of Acre, Brazil and current Chair of the GCFTF, emphasizes the role of subnational action, innovation, leadership, and inclusion to ensure the world can meet global climate goals. The letter states:
“Our collective action is a beacon of hope for the people we serve every day. By turning global, national, and local climate policies into tangible results, we are improving the daily lives of our residents: creating new jobs, cleaner air, safer streets, healthier and more inclusive communities, and stronger economies. Our leadership brings international commitments home, ensuring that global agreements deliver real benefits where they matter most — reflecting on-the-ground realities and expertise, such as those of indigenous peoples or the challenges of unique ecosystems such as the Amazon.”
The GCFTF appreciates the close partnerships with our fellow subnational networks and other partners and looks forward to carrying the message on the importance of state and provincial climate leadership into COP30 next week!