By Luisa Lima, Head of Knowledge at IDIS; and Marijana Sevic, Head of CAF International
For those who doubted, Belém proved not only ready but the ideal place to host COP30 in Brazil. Nature is everywhere—living proof that the environment and climate matter. This event marked a historic milestone by bringing the global climate agenda to the heart of the Amazon, a region vital for climate solutions and biodiversity.
It was remarkable to witness the diversity of voices gathered from across the globe: government leaders, private sector executives, civil society representatives, social movements, youth groups, climate experts and non-experts, alongside the citizens of Belém, eager to follow the discussions.
Brazil’s leadership was pivotal—not only as host but as a nation on the frontlines of climate impacts, offering innovative models for adaptation, resilience, and inclusive development.
A Shared Commitment: Philanthropy and Climate Solutions
We came from different parts of the world—the UK and Brazil—with distinct COP experiences and perspectives. Yet, for one day, we joined forces to raise awareness of the role of philanthropy and the power of partnerships in climate financing and solutions.
CAF – Charities Aid Foundation and IDIS – Institute for the Development of Social Investment, together with Latimpacto, GIFE, Sitawi, and WINGS, supported by RD Saúde, convened Philanthropy Day – Innovative Partnerships for a Sustainable Future. This was a call to unite around our shared commitment to advancing global philanthropy and accelerating climate solutions that benefit all.
Why Philanthropy Matters in the Climate Agenda
The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat, it is a present reality, impacting communities globally and locally. In Brazil alone, the past year brought ten extreme climate events, including unprecedented floods, droughts, and fires. Progress cannot rely solely on international agreements or public policy. It demands coordinated action across all sectors, strategic resource mobilization, and ongoing collaboration.
Philanthropy and socio-environmental investors play a central role in this ecosystem. They bring agility, innovation, and a willingness to take risks where others may be constrained. Philanthropy seeds new solutions, empowers local leadership, and catalyses broader change. It directs capital to generate positive impact, fosters networks, and amplifies voices historically marginalised. Innovative blended finance models, though challenging, are yielding valuable insights and meaningful results.
Highlights from Philanthropy Day
The event reflected these priorities, inviting the public to engage, learn, and collaborate. It offered an immersion into new philanthropic dynamics accelerating climate solutions, presenting practical and inspiring experiences from diverse actors tackling environmental challenges. Strategies ranged from community adaptation and post-disaster reconstruction to structural actions addressing climate justice, socio-environmental development, technological innovation, energy transition, and equitable public policies.
Philanthropy is far from monolithic. It encompasses individual giving, family foundations, corporate social investment, community philanthropy, and impact capital—each bringing unique strengths, flexibility, and innovation. It builds networks and alliances that amplify impact and drive systemic change. Collaboration across local, national, and international stages unlocks catalytic funding, champions innovation, and builds resilient communities through inclusive, flexible, and sustainable models. As Brazilian philanthropist Ilana Minev said: “Everyone wins when we combine expertise and efforts.”
Voices from the Event
Introducing each panel, community leaders shared powerful statements. Rose Apurinã, Executive Vice-President of the Brazilian Indigenous Fund Podaali, reminded us: “It’s not just about financial resources. It’s about shifting power, building alliances, and amplifying local voices. Because the answer to the climate crisis is not one actor or one sector—it is all of us, together.”
In the closing session, Erika Miller, Head of Climate at WINGS, summarised: “Collaboration needs humility, long-term vision, transparency, and clear communication. It doesn’t happen by accident – it takes commitment and a real willingness to share space. Philanthropy is diverse, but at its core, it is a connector. And that connective tissue is exactly what our sector needs to leverage if we want to meet the scale of the climate crisis.”
Looking Ahead
The future of climate action depends on this collective effort. COP30 is a moment to reflect, connect, and commit—to harness the full potential of philanthropy in building a just, resilient, and sustainable future for all. Let us embrace the collective construction of new pathways, valuing courage, active listening, and diverse alliances.
Philanthropy has enormous potential to drive climate solutions, but only if we act together.
