- The New Global Order present at the Green Rio Summit 2025: reflections on Green Transitions and Bioeconomy Models - 4 March, 2026
- [CONFERENCE] UNFCCC COP30: Two Weeks in the heart of the Amazon to Move Forward Global Climate Policy - 10 November, 2025
- Unpacking African Food Systems: Highlights of the Partnership between TNGO’s Decolonization Observatory and the Food Bridge - 31 January, 2025
A three-day convening in Rio de Janeiro spotlighting innovation, bioeconomy models, and the urgent need to align green growth with ecological justice and community leadership.
The Green Rio Summit 2025, held in Rio de Janeiro from November 27–29, 2025, brought together government institutions, private sector leaders, start-ups, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous-led enterprises, and researchers for a three-day dialogue on sustainability, innovation, and emerging economic models. The Summit served as a high-level platform to examine how countries – particularly across the Global South – can advance green transitions while safeguarding ecosystems and community rights.
The participation of Nodin Nganji, representing The New Global Order (TNGO) as Director of the Central and Southern African Affairs (CSA) department, was central to this engagement. His presence at the Summit focused on building strategic relationships with key decision-makers, government representatives, civil society actors, youth-led organizations, think tanks, and international partners. This engagement reflects TNGO’s commitment to positioning the think tank and CSA as active contributors and credible partners in global conversations on sustainability, climate governance, and economic transformation.
Key Themes Driving the Summit
Discussions throughout the Summit centered on interconnected pillars shaping the future of sustainable development, including:
- Bioeconomy: sustainable use of biological resources across agriculture, forestry, and environmental sectors to support bio-based industries;
- Blue Economy: responsible management of oceans, coastal zones, and aquatic resources, with attention to maritime industries and water stewardship;
- Green Technology & Innovation: low-carbon solutions, sustainable production systems, circular economy tools, and climate-smart technologies;
- Agro and Food Systems: sustainable agriculture and food security, spanning production “from field to plate,” agri-bio solutions, and low-carbon farming;
- Circular Economy & Industry: industrial practices focused on reuse, recycling, and low-impact design;
- Cities, Energy & Mobility: urban sustainability, energy transition, and future-oriented mobility systems;
- Climate, Carbon & Investments: climate mitigation strategies, carbon management, and investment frameworks for sustainable development.
Promising Signals from the Summit
A notable highlight was the participation of Indigenous-led businesses, several of which received grants from the Bank of Brazil. Their presentations demonstrated how targeted financial support can foster sustainable development, community-based entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship. These initiatives underscored the vital role Amazonian economic models play in shaping more just, inclusive, and resilient sustainability pathways.
The Summit also reflected the Brazilian government’s growing commitment to strengthening innovation ecosystems through public investment in start-ups. When aligned with ecological priorities, such early-stage funding has the potential to catalyze long-term economic transformation while advancing environmental goals.
For CSA, participation in these conversations provided an opportunity not only to observe emerging policy and investment trends, but also to contribute African regional perspectives to global sustainability debates. Drawing from ongoing engagement in continental dialogues — including consistent invitations to the Africa Regional Forum following CSA’s demonstrated interest and participation since 2023 — the department brings comparative insights on biodiversity governance, youth leadership, and climate justice frameworks across African contexts.
Critical Reflections and Emerging Gaps
Despite the breadth of dialogue, concerns emerged around how the bioeconomy was framed in several sessions. While often presented as a driver of business growth, discussions did not consistently address the environmental safeguards required to protect critical ecosystems such as the Amazon. References to economic integration with the Amazon were frequently made without clear strategies to prevent deforestation, biodiversity loss, or encroachment on Indigenous territories.
Without concrete commitments to conservation and community protection, bioeconomic initiatives risk reinforcing extractive, profit-driven models rather than enabling a true shift toward sustainable development. Such approaches may contribute to displacement, ecological degradation, and heightened climate vulnerability if left unexamined.
Linking Green Rio to Post-COP30 Global Conversations
The Summit also intersected with post-COP30 discussions, particularly around Africa and climate justice. African delegations emphasized that meaningful green transformation must center Indigenous knowledge systems, biodiversity protection, and community self-determination. These perspectives closely mirror the challenges facing Brazil and other Global South countries navigating the tension between economic development and ecological preservation.
The alignment between Africa-focused COP30 dialogues and the Green Rio Summit highlights shared realities: sustainability transitions must be locally led, socially just, and rooted in the protection of fragile ecosystems.
Looking Ahead
As sustainability summits and environmental initiatives continue to shape global agendas, their impact will depend on whether they move beyond profit-first green narratives. Lasting progress requires transformative economic frameworks grounded in ecological integrity, justice, and community-led governance.
CSA’s growing presence in international fora — from the Green Rio Summit to the Africa Regional Forum — signals TNGO’s commitment to engaging constructively, critically, and strategically in shaping these debates. Centering ecosystem protection and the self-determination of communities most connected to — and dependent on — the environment is not optional; it is essential for a truly sustainable future.
Media contact: press@thenewglobalorder.com