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In a show of growing interest in grassroots-led climate action, the South African embassy in Brazil extended an invitation to members of the South African delegation who were attending the Renew Our Power (ROP) gathering this week. The meeting, held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the embassy, offered a platform for climate leaders to share the stories, strategies, and solutions they are building through community-driven energy justice work.
The delegation was warmly received by senior consular officials, who expressed keen interest in the delegation’s presence in Brazil and their participation in the ROP gathering. The embassy’s outreach aimed to better understand the climate justice work South Africans are advancing at home and the significance of ROP in their organising efforts.
“This invitation was more than symbolic; it was a chance for the voices of youth and grassroots activists to be heard at a diplomatic level. We spoke about the real power of community-owned renewable energy, the urgency of just transitions, and the learnings we’re carrying home to strengthen our work,” said Khaliel Moses, Fair Finance Campaigner at 350Africa.org.
The delegates highlighted how experiences at ROP – from learning about accessible solar technologies and alternative financing models to exchanging youth empowerment strategies – will directly inform their ongoing efforts in communities in South Africa.
They also called on the embassy to:
- Amplify youth and community-led renewable energy initiatives;
- Represent grassroots climate justice perspectives in multilateral spaces including BRICS, COP30, and the G20;
- Support people-centered storytelling and the building of collective power in the transition away from fossil fuels.
In response, consular officials expressed support for the delegation’s work and encouraged them to submit a summary report and formal list of demands. The embassy committed to sharing these insights with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Office of the Presidency.
“This is a moment of recognition. Our communities are building the solutions. What we need now is for our institutions to meet us there, to open doors, shift narratives, and act with urgency,” adds Khaliel.
The South African delegation says it will continue to engage with officials in the coming weeks to ensure that the voices and visions shared in Brazil help shape a just and inclusive energy future at home.
