Minister Augusto Nardes Advocates for Sustainability at United Nations Conference

During the 14th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), held on March 18 in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister Augusto Nardes of the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) highlighted the critical moment the world is facing and the importance of today’s decisions for the future. He emphasized that public debt plays a crucial role in the development of emerging economies, representing both a challenge and an opportunity to invest in infrastructure and essential social programs.

"Today, we gather at a critical juncture in global history, where the decisions we make will shape the future of our planet." – Minister Augusto Nardes

Nardes stressed the need to align development with sustainability, warning that economic growth must not come at the expense of environmental degradation. He recalled that the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reinforce this necessity, emphasizing that "sustainable development is not just an ideal, but an urgent necessity." For the minister, expenditures on sustainability should be seen as "essential investments that mitigate financial risks associated with climate-induced disasters."

The minister warned of the consequences of climate inaction, mentioning climate-related disasters such as the recent floods in southern Brazil, which required extraordinary financial resources for recovery. "This disaster, a direct consequence of climate instability, forced the country to allocate extraordinary funds to mitigate social impacts and promote economic recovery," he stated.

The minister also presented ClimateScanner, a TCU initiative that assesses government actions related to climate change. Implemented in 141 countries, it generates valuable data for planning and decision-making. "Governments have the duty to serve their citizens. We must anticipate environmental disasters and implement effective measures to prevent them," he explained, emphasizing the need for transparency and efficiency in resource management.

“I am pleased to witness the realization of this dream, which we started over a decade ago,” remarked Minister Augusto Nardes reflecting on his journey at the Court. He emphasized the establishment of 25 specialized departments and the commitment to public governance and fiscal responsibility. “When I assumed the presidency of the TCU, the main goal was to improve public governance in the country,” he noted, reinforcing the importance of an effective state.

The minister’s speech was a call for nations to adopt a responsible approach to public debt. "Fighting climate change has evolved beyond an environmental concern to become a financial challenge. Sustainability and debt management must go side by side. I firmly believe that through collaboration and collective commitment, we can develop responsible and innovative strategies," he added.

In his final words, the minister urged all present to work together for a sustainable and resilient future. He thanked the global leaders and called on them to unite in pursuit of a future that safeguards our planet and promotes inclusive and sustainable development for future generations. His speech was a call to action, responsibility, and hope—one that cannot be ignored.