Honouring Mary Robinson in Brazil
“We are in the decisive decade for climate action – and on the cusp of a wonderful, safer, cleaner, fairer, healthier, world… and I think that under Brazil’s leadership, we will do it.” - Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders
In August 2024, the Embassy of Ireland in Brasilia partnered with the Embassy of the United States to host a reception in honour of former President of Ireland and Chair of the Elders, Mary Robinson. The event gave attendees a chance to recall the remarkable career of Ireland’s first female President, and to hear Ms. Robinson speak about the climate crisis and about Brazil’s key role in tackling climate change.
Ireland’s Ambassador to Brazil, H.E. Fiona Flood, and the US Ambassador to Brazil, H.E. Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, spoke of Mary’s early career as a pioneering lawyer and of her trailblazing tenure as Ireland’s first female President, when she broke new ground for women, the LGBTQ+ community and the Irish diaspora – for whom she famously left a light in the window at Áras an Uachtaráin as a symbol of welcome.
They also celebrated her transformative mandate as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and her tireless work in more recent times as an advocate of climate justice and the female-led climate movement.
“Mary Robinson has been courageous, compassionate and fiercely determined to do what´s right, including in relation to the greatest existential threat of our era - climate change” - Ambassador Flood
In her own remarks, which were delivered with energy and passion, Ms. Robinson called for more ambition on the climate crisis, and spoke inspiringly about Brazil’s central role in driving change in the coming period – as well as the fundamental role played by women and youth on climate issues.
The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic community, the Brazilian government, climate activists and NGO representatives.
Guests received a copy of Ms. Robinson’s book, “Climate Justice”, which has been translated into Portuguese with the support of Ireland’s Consulate General in Sao Paulo.