ACI update from Day 6 of COP30

11/16/2025

ACI Past President Antonio Nanni is at COP30 Brazil this week, representing ACI to reaffirm our leadership in the world of concrete and to make sure our commitment to our strategic goal of advancing resiliency and sustainability in the construction industry is communicated. The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the largest global United Nations event for discussions and negotiations on climate change. The meeting is held annually, with the presidency rotating among the five UN-recognized regions.

Dr. Nanni is providing a daily report from the event floor. Watch his latest video from Belém.

Day 6 of COP30 brought a welcome surprise to life as the Brazilian cement industry showcased its collective efforts to achieve net-zero by 2050. The session, “Brazil Cement Industry Roadmap Update,” provided insight into what coordinated action can accomplish when industry leaders align around a shared commitment to sustainability. Cement manufacturers in Brazil have undertaken a series of actions that already place Brazil at the forefront of cement sustainability outcomes worldwide. You can read the complete Roadmap document, in Portuguese, by clicking here.

While some advantages may stem from Brazil’s geography and climate, the panel made clear that many of these strategies can be replicated in other nations with similar environmental conditions.

Following the panel session, I had the opportunity to interview one of the panelists, Paulo Camillo Penna, President and CEO of ABCP (Associação Brasileira de Cimento Portland). His insights framed Brazil’s accomplishments to date, while mentioning the need to have strong relationships throughout the industry to meet its goals.

As I mentioned in my Day 5 update, ACI has an important seat to claim at that table, and COP30 continues to underscore just how crucial that broader industry voice will be.

– Antonio Nanni