30/09/2025

In an era where innovation and digital transformation are driving global change towards sustainability, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. From artificial intelligence (AI) to digital platforms, new tools are helping these companies reduce emissions, optimize operations, and seize opportunities for sustainable growth. In a timely move ahead of COP30, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sebrae joined forces to develop digital solutions tailored to the specific needs of these companies, offering practical support on the path to a greener economy.

“The legacy we want to leave goes far beyond the event. COP30 is a milestone, but what really matters is what it can permanently transform,” said Décio Lima, president of Sebrae. “We want a new generation of small businesses, more aware, more connected to their territory, more prepared for the challenges and opportunities of a low-carbon economy. It's an opportunity, as the event will take place in the heart of the Amazon and will serve as inspiration for the generation of new sustainable businesses in every sense.”

Macaozinho, a generative AI chatbot specializing in information about global climate change and conferences like COP30, is one of the fruits of the partnership. It can be used by SMEs to obtain reliable and verified information about global climate change; identify opportunities such as available funding and resources; and establish strategic connections between these organizations and cooperative networks and impact investors. Named after macaws, the symbolic birds of Brazil, it differs from other AIs because its database is essentially composed of official UN documents – making it a more reliable and impartial tool for SME managers.

Décio Lima, president of Sebrae

In addition to Macaozinho, another solution created as a result of the alliance between UNDP and Sebrae is Maloca, a digital platform to democratize access to COP30. “Our goal is to contribute to making COP30 the 'turning point' for the international community, projecting pathways to increase the implementation of actions aimed at tackling global warming,” stated José Miguez, Technical Coordinator of 'Route to Belém'. According to him, digital tools like Macaozinho and Maloca aim to increase engagement in debates on global climate change. 

“ Maloca, for example, allows institutions around the world to bring COP30 to their communities, schools, or associations. And it must be said that the development not only of Maloca but of the 'Route to Belém' initiative as a whole is only possible thanks to the support of organizations like Sebrae, which has been a strategic partner on the road to COP30,” adds Miguez.

Sustainability and innovation

According to data from Sebrae ( Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service), SMEs represent 98% of Brazilian businesses, generate 72% of jobs, and contribute 26.5% to Brazil's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making them indispensable in an efficient strategy for a just climate transition. "Artificial intelligence, innovation, sustainability, and inclusion are irreversible concepts, and small businesses are already part of this reality," stated Lima, highlighting how the organization has been working to ensure entrepreneurs are prepared to meet the growing demands for more sustainable solutions – always guaranteeing the preservation of service quality, regional identity, and environmental commitment.

“It’s impossible to imagine sustainability without including the small economy, which, in Brazil, represents 95% of registered businesses,” said Lima. “We need to have sustainability as a permanent value because there is no longer room for an economy that is not sustainable and globalized. We can no longer imagine any economic leadership that is not embedded in the context of technology and innovation. Sustainability is the foundation of everything we can build, as it generates inclusion and opportunities,” he added.

The president of Sebrae reinforces the optimistic atmosphere surrounding the climate conference in Belém. “We are fully engaged in preparing Brazilian micro and small businesses for COP30. Sebrae has been acting strategically to ensure that small businesses are not only present, but also play a leading role in an event of such global importance.”