On July 24, Belém, Brazil — gateway to the Amazon and host city of the UN’s upcoming COP30 climate conference — welcomed a landmark gathering of climate leaders, community voices, and global changemakers for Global Citizen NOW: Amazônia. More than just a summit, it was a powerful call to action to protect one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems and support the people who have defended it for generations.

In one dynamic day, the summit brought together a wide-ranging coalition of leaders from across the Amazon Basin — including Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador — to hear directly from Indigenous advocates, policymakers, scientists, investors, and youth organizers on how to best drum up investment, amplify frontline voices, and unlock real, locally driven solutions.

This event also marked a key halfway milestone in our Protect the Amazon campaign — a year-long effort to mobilize $1 billion in financial investments to restore the rainforest and elevate Indigenous voices on the world stage. The day generated significant momentum toward this goal, with key announcements made on stage, including plans to preserve 3.5 million trees, engage 2,500 youth in climate education across the region, and provide additional funding for Indigenous-led projects and Amazonian entrepreneurs.

Belém was the only place a gathering like this could happen at this moment. Learn what happened, and why Global Citizen NOW: Amazônia put the megaphone in the hands of those who know this region best. 

The Halfway Point in Our Protect the Amazon Campaign

This summit had one clear mission: to create the opportunity to turn urgent conversations into real action, guided by leading voices from across the region.

This was the latest stop in Global Citizen’s premier, global thought leadership series — a journey that has taken us from New York City to Melbourne, Detroit, Sevilla, Rio de Janeiro, and now, the doorway to the Amazon itself. These gatherings go far beyond stirring up dialogue. They’re designed to hold space for ideas from some of the brightest minds across the public and private sectors in one room, and to serve as a catalyst for actions that spark lasting change.

We’re pushing for major action ahead of Global Citizen Festival: Amazônia, taking place just before COP30 on November 1. To do this, the campaign is focusing on three urgent policy pillars to shape the conference’s outcomes: 

• Protect the Rainforest: Mobilize at least $1 billion to safeguard the Amazon, with an emphasis on Indigenous land rights and the formal recognition of traditional territories.
• Accelerate a Just Energy Transition: Secure strong commitments to phase out fossil fuels and expand renewable energy in a way that uplifts workers and local communities.
• Support Frontline Communities: Shift climate finance from polluters to those most affected by the crisis, ensuring they have the resources to adapt, lead, and thrive.

In a time of compounding global crises and fracturing diplomacy, Global Citizen NOW: Amazônia offered a rare space to bridge the gap between high-level policy ambitions and on-the-ground impact. The summit spotlighted the tools, partnerships, and political will already moving the needle — and asked a fundamental question: How do we move money, power, and global attention to the people doing the work where it matters most?

Djuena Tikuna, Indigenous singer, journalist, and activist, delivers a powerful performance and message on the preservation of Amazonian culture and rights. | Pedro Vilela/Getty Images for Global Citizen

To explore this, we invited a diverse group of speakers and experts to share their insights. 

About the Summit

Held at the historic Estação das Docas in Belém, Global Citizen NOW: Amazônia was hosted by journalist Luiza Zveiter and Indigenous activist José Kaeté. The event was sponsored by Banco do Brasil in collaboration with Re:wild, with Policy Partners Bezos Earth Fund and Open Society Foundations and was produced by Gael Productions.

Angela Mendes, President of the Chico Mendes Committee, calls for unified environmental justice efforts. | Pedro Vilela/Getty Images for Global Citizen

The summit was fully trilingual, conducted in Portuguese, Spanish, and English with simultaneous translation throughout — ensuring accessibility for all participants. Together, these participants delivered compelling calls to action, challenged conventional ways of thinking, and offered clear, actionable pathways for building a just and sustainable future for both people and planet.

A Jam-Packed Day of Panels Covering Three Policy Pillars

The day began with a welcome from Belém’s Mayor Igor Normando, who reflected on the historic months ahead as the city prepares to ascend the world stage and host global leaders for COP30.

Luiza Zveiter, José Kaeté, and Global Citizen Board Member Diego Scotti followed with remarks highlighting resilience and the power of collective action — setting the tone for a full day of panels and impactful conversations.

• A Turning Point for Amazonia — In a candid conversation moderated by journalist and Secretary of Culture of Pará State Úrsula Vidal, José Ricardo Sasseron (Vice President of Government Business & Corporate Sustainability at Banco do Brasil) reflected on Brazil’s rising leadership role in the global climate arena. Framed around the country’s call for a “mutirão” — a global mobilization of political will and financial resources to confront climate change — the conversation explored how Brazil, as home to half the Amazon, can step up as a global leader in this moment. 

The first three panel discussions of the day were moderated by Rodrigo Medeiros (Senior Brazil Lead, Re:wild), and focused on the challenges of halting deforestation in the region.

• What’s Driving Deforestation in the Amazon? — This session examined the true drivers of deforestation, from industrial agriculture to historic land-use policies, and the powerful role of Indigenous stewardship in reversing its damage. Tasso Azevedo (General Coordinator of MapBiomas), Eduardo Góes Neves (Professor of Archaeology at the Univerdade do São Paolo), and Djuena Tikuna (Indigenous Singer, Journalist & Advocate) grounded the discussion in historical data, cultural memory, and lived experiences.
• How to Finance Forest Protection at Scale — How can international funding reach those who are best positioned to protect the forest, Indigenous and local communities? André Aquino (Head of the Special Advisory on Economy and Environment at MMA), Nabil Moura Kadri (Deputy Managing Director of the Environment Division at BNDES), Ilona Szabó (Co-Founder & President, Instituto Igarapé), and Gabriel Santamarina (Head of Sustainability, Banco do Brasil) explored scalable financial mechanisms like the Amazon Fund and the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, emphasizing the need for trust, transparency, and community-driven design in climate finance. 
• Protecting the Amazon, Respecting Indigenous Land Rights — Toya Manchineri (General Coordinator, COIAB) and Juan Carlos Jintiach (Executive Secretary of the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities & Technical Advisor at COICA) dove into the compelling case behind the legal recognition of Indigenous land rights as a foundational climate strategy. They highlighted how without political inclusion and formal recognition of ancestral territories, deforestation cannot be meaningfully addressed.

(L-R) Puyr Tembé, Secretary of State for Indigenous Peoples of Pará, and Ronaldo Gonçalves Morato, Country Director of Panthera Brasil, join voices onstage to advocate for Indigenous rights and biodiversity protection. | Pedro Vilela/Getty Images for Global Citizen

Next up, in a conversation titled “Legacy of COP for the State of Pará” with Luiza Zveiter, Governor of the State of Pará Helder Barbalho laid out the state’s innovative preparation as it prepares Belém to host COP30 — from attracting green investment to advancing social inclusion and balancing sustainable economic development. As one of COP30’s key architects, he emphasized how local action can help municipal and regional governments drive global outcomes.

Helder Barbalho, Governor of Pará State, speaks about local leadership and Amazon conservation efforts with journalist Luiza Zveiter. | Pedro Vilela/Getty Images for Global Citizen

The next three panels were moderated by Natalie Unterstell (President, Instituto Talanoa), and focused on pathways towards a just energy transition, away from fossil fuels towards renewables for good:

• Reaching Net-Zero in Amazonia — What exactly will it take for Brazil to hit its net-zero emissions goals by 2050? Carolina Pasquali (Executive Director of Greenpeace Brasil), Rodrigo Agostinho (President, IBAMA), and Juan Carlos Lozada (Member of the Colombian House of Representatives) highlighted the urgent need to halt fossil fuel expansion, restore vital ecosystems, and prioritize Indigenous and nature-based solutions to preserve the Amazon biome. 
• Leaving No One Behind in the Amazon’s Energy Transition — Marcelo Thomé da Silva de Almeida (President of the Federation of Industries of the State of Rondônia), João Paulo Rodrigues (National Coordination Member of Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST)), and Gilson Santana (Coordenador de Produção da Cooperativa Camtauá) explored how renewable energy can benefit local communities. From cooperative models to rural innovation, the panel emphasized an energy future that invests in people rather than extracts from them.
• Brazil’s Place in the Global Climate Agenda — As COP30 host, Brazil has a chance to lead by example. Marcio Astrini (Executive Director, Observatorio do Clima), Lucas Nassar (Executive Director, Laboratório da Cidade), and Larissa Pinto Moraes (Executive Director, Engajamundo) explored how countries’ national climate plans (NDCs) must be backed by local governance, youth engagement, and urban innovation to be effective.

Juan Carlos Lozada, Member of the Colombian House of Representatives, addresses regional climate cooperation and policies. | Pedro Vilela/Getty Images for Global Citizen

The next trio of panels were moderated by Priscila Tapajowara (President, Mídia Indígena) and laid bare the challenges communities face who are both the most vulnerable to climate change and at the forefront of its impacts: 

• Helping the Amazon Adapt to a Warming World — Jean Ferreira da Silva (Executive Director, Gueto Hub & Co-creator of COP das Baixadas), Caetano Scanavino (Social Entrepreneur and Coordinator of the Saúde e Alegria Project), and Juliana Grippa (Director of Public Relations of CUFA Pará) showcased powerful local adaptation efforts, from favela-led initiatives to rural health networks, advocating for climate finance to reach frontline communities and prioritize those most affected by extreme weather. 
• Mobilizing Communities in the Amazon — Kleber Karipuna (Executive Coordinator of APIB & Co-chair of the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities) and Leo Cerda (Indigenous Environmental & Human Rights Defender) shared how grassroots organizing has driven land rights, policy reform, and international attention, underscoring the role of social movements ahead of key regional and international summits, like COP30.
• Demanding Environmental Defenders Have a Seat at the Table — Frontline defenders face rising threats, and deserve recognition. Angela Mendes (President of Chico Mendes Committee), Claudelice Santos (Environmental and Human Rights Activist & Coordinator of Instituto Zé Claudio e Maria), and Vanuza Do Abacatal (Political Leader, Human Rights Advocate & Coordinator of Racial Equality Policies in Ananindeua) laid out what’s needed to protect those who protect the forest. The panel also introduced the LEAD initiative (Leaders Network for Environmental Activists and Defenders) — a global, multi-stakeholder platform to protect environmental defenders and elevate their voices at decision-making tables.

(L-R) Priscila Tapajowara, President of Mídia Indígena; Kleber Karipuna, Executive Coordinator of APIB and Co-Chair of The Global Alliance; and Leo Cerda, Indigenous Defender and Human Rights Advocate, discuss mobilizing communities for Amazon protection. | Pedro Vilela/Getty Images for Global Citizen

To conclude, we wrapped up with the following panels: 

• Realizing an Equitable Future: The Role of the Private Sector — How can companies support solutions that work specifically for the Amazon? Moderated by Úrsula Vidal, this panel brought together Gonçalves Morato (Country Director of Panthera Brasil), Manuela Yamada (Director of Certification at Equitable Earth), Puyr Tembé (Secretary of State for Indigenous Peoples of Pará), and Gabriella Dorlhiac (Executive Director of ICC Brasil) to explore what meaningful private sector leadership looks like, from supporting Indigenous-led models to advancing equitable, nature-based investment.
• Bringing Amazonia’s Voice to the World — Global Citizen Board Member Diego Scotti led this deeply moving discussion between Indigenous leaders Juma Xipaia (Chief of Kaarimã Village in the Xipaya Territory, Founder of Instituto Juma, and producer of the film YANUNI) and Helena Gualinga (Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Defender), who shared personal journeys from local resistance to global advocacy. Together, they reflected on the power of storytelling to shape how the world sees the Amazon. 

(L-R) Ursula Vidal, Journalist and Secretary of Culture of Pará State; Manuela Yamada, Director of Certification, Equitable Earth; Gabriella Dorlhiac, Executive Director, ICC Brazil; Puyr Tembé, Secretary of State for Indigenous Peoples of Pará; and Ronaldo Gonçalves Morato, Country Director, Panthera Brasil, participate in a private sector panel exploring sustainable development solutions. | Pedro Vilela/Getty Images for Global Citizen

The day closed with powerful reflections from Luiza Zveiter, José Kaeté, and Diego Scotti, who reminded us that the planet’s future — and our own — depends on the choices we make today.

Throughout the day, Brazilian artist Mama Quilla created a 10-foot mural in real-time, portraying the Amazon’s transformation — from a host of vibrant biodiversity to environmental crisis. The piece will be permanently housed at Banco do Brasil’s new cultural center in Belém, serving as a visual reminder of the summit and a call to action for future generations. 

Visual artist Mama Quilla poses with her painting depicting the Amazon’s legacy and transformation. | Wagner Meier/Getty Images for Global Citizen

A Stacked Day of Major Announcements

Throughout the panels, a series of major announcements and commitments were made spotlighting Amazonian leaders, unlocking new funding, and building cross-sector partnerships that moved us closer to our goal of raising $1 billion for the Amazon and its communities. 

Here are the highlights:

We announced a major new partnership with Re:wild, Sound Future, and Stashrun, which will allow us to build on our experience leveraging the power of live events, technology, and frontline action. This partnership marks more than a one-off donation — it’s a community-powered movement, inviting fans of live events around the world to take part in unlocking funding to invest in Re:wild’s extensive conservation and agroforestry efforts across Pará. This initiative will be part of Sound Future’s “Surf & Turf” platform, which enables concerts to generate environmental benefits by directly supporting land and water conservation projects. Stashrun meanwhile offers a gamified tech platform that allows concert attendees to play, engage, and create awareness and impact. Together, this collaboration aims to unlock funding to protect and restore up to 3.5 million trees, 7,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest, and convert 300 hectares of cattle ranching into regenerative, plant-based production. 

Through a growing partnership with Goodera, we’re creating new opportunities for businesses and their employees to take meaningful climate action from anywhere in the world. Since launching at Global Citizen NOW: New York in April, over 7,500 volunteers from 36 companies have completed 75,000 ‘Acts of Green,’ including park clean-ups, reforestation projects, and other local conservation initiatives. The top-performing company will be recognized on stage at Global Citizen Festival: Amazônia this November.

Gabriella Dorlhiac, Executive Director of the International Chamber of Commerce Brasil (ICC Brasil), announced a new partnership with Global Citizen to activate the more than 200 companies within ICC Brasil’s network — including some of Brazil’s largest firms — in support of Protect the Amazon. The goal is to drive major financial commitments toward our $1 billion target within three months, helping fill funding gaps public resources can’t cover alone. 

Business accelerator Axcell, in partnership with IDESAM, launched the “Startup Selection Call 2025,” pledging to invest R$25 million (approximately USD $4.5 million) in sustainability-focused businesses based or operating in the Amazon. The initiative will support Amazonian entrepreneurs working in biodiversity, bioremediation, green tech, and sustainable development. Applications are open through August 31 at axcellam.com.br/edital or elosdaamazonia.org.br, with selected startups announced at the conclusion of the Protect the Amazon campaign.

We were also able to officially share this exciting news: Banco do Brasil will serve as the presenting partner of the upcoming Global Citizen Festival: Amazônia at Estádio Olímpico do Pará (also known as Mangueirão) in Belém. Banco do Brasil’s Paula Sayão, Chief Marketing Officer, and Gabriel Santamaria, Head of Sustainability, joined Global Citizen co-founder Mick Sheldrick on stage to make the announcement. Earlier in the day, they also spoke on Banco’s expanding role in directing capital and visibility to communities working to protect the Amazon, from green credit lines to supporting low-carbon initiatives, spotlighting how Brazil’s oldest financial institution is redefining its approach to sustainable finance and community-led solutions.

(L-R) Gabriel Maceron Santamaria, Head of Sustainability, Banco do Brasil; Paula Sayao, Chief Marketing Officer, Banco do Brasil; and Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder of Global Citizen, speak on stage about Banco do Brasil's commitment to sustainability. | Wagner Meier/Getty Images for Global Citizen

Festival tickets will be available exclusively to residents of Pará State and can be earned by taking action via the Global Citizen app, through the event’s website, or by sending a WhatsApp to +55 (11) 4040-7099. To ensure inclusive access — especially for residents without smartphones or internet — Governor Helder Barbalho announced a new partnership between Global Citizen and the State of Pará. Through the state’s flagship social inclusion initiative Usinas da Paz, 2,500 young people from marginalized communities will be able to earn festival tickets by participating in environmental service and climate education activities, such as tree planting, riverbank clean-ups, or climate justice workshops, all co-developed with local nonprofits.

The Next Critical Stretch 

Global Citizen NOW: Amazônia marked the halfway point of our campaign — and the beginning of its most critical stretch. 

With $1 billion on the line and the world’s first impact concert in the Amazon ahead, the momentum built in Belém must now translate into lasting action. As COP30 approaches, world leaders must recognize that the Amazon is not just part of the climate crisis — it’s at its very heart. And those who call it home must lead the way forward.

The Protect the Amazon campaign will continue building up towards Global Citizen Festival: Amazônia, where we’ll unite global and local artists, Indigenous leaders, and climate activists with a clear and urgent call to action: We must act now to save the Amazon. Luckily, we know that the solutions already exist. What we must do in turn is amplify them, fund them, and follow the lead of those who already protect the Amazon every day.