Brazil’s COP30 presidency has appointed 30 envoys to liaise with “priority sectors and regions” ahead of the UN climate summit in November, among them champion surfer Maya Gabeira, first lady Janja Lula da Silva and New Zealand’s former prime minister, Jacinda Ardern.

The Brazilian government said the envoys, who will work in a voluntary and personal capacity, “will act as key liaisons for the flow of information and perspective from the areas they represent, enabling faster and more effective interactions”.

“They will be our voices and ears in strategic sectors and regions, contributing to a collective effort for a strong and effective COP30 that implements climate solutions,” said COP30 CEO Ana Toni.

The new COP30 envoy for Europe – former French diplomat Laurence Tubiana – said she was “honoured”, pledging in a LinkedIn post to “promote multilateral cooperation and deepen ties between Brazil and Europe – not only between governments, but also with civil society, indigenous leaders, and the business community”.

Novel approach

Kaveh Guilanpour, vice president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and an experienced climate diplomat, said COP presidencies have often enlisted experienced external advisers for confidential advice.

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“But this approach, where external envoys are going to be used in an outward facing role, including in relation to specific sectors as well as regions, seems novel,” he told Climate Home. “I applaud Brazil for thinki