The trilateral summit between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Brazil and Indonesia, which was to be held in Kinshasa this month, has been postponed, according to information confirmed by the Congolese Ministry of the Environment and the Presidency. Although this may be perceived as a missed appointment, it is actually a postponement due to issues and agenda constraints.
The objective of this trilateral meeting was to create a solid bloc between the three countries to influence international climate negotiations. In recent years, the DRC, Brazil and Indonesia have organized several meetings, informal and formal, to strengthen their collaboration in this crucial area. In November 2021, they held a trilateral meeting in Glasgow, which was followed by the signing of an agreement in Bali in November the following year.
This agreement formalized their alliance and demonstrated their common commitment to fight climate change. The meeting planned in Kinshasa was expected to be an important step, this time with the participation of heads of state. However, scheduling problems and regional rivalries prevented this meeting from taking place. Neighboring countries such as Gabon, Cameroon and Congo-Brazzaville, which have a head start on issues related to the Congo Basin, have been keen to maintain their regional leadership.
It is important to note that Congo-Brazzaville will also organize another summit of the three major forest basins in October this year. The DRC, whose president has placed the environment at the heart of his diplomatic strategy, plans to participate fully. The leaders of Indonesia, Brazil and the DRC will also be able to continue their trilateral discussions until COP28, which will be held in December in Dubai.
This situation highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in the fight against climate change. States are increasingly aware of the need to unite to address global environmental challenges. The trilateral initiative between the DRC, Brazil and Indonesia is a concrete example of this awareness and this desire to work together to build a sustainable future.
It remains to be hoped that this trilateral meeting will take place in the near future and that it will contribute to strengthening global efforts to combat climate change. The urgency of the situation demands concerted action and unprecedented international collaboration. The DRC, Brazil and Indonesia have shown their willingness to be key players in this endeavour, and it is essential to support their efforts and encourage them in this direction