COP30 in Belém Nears Full Global Participation as Brazil Prepares Infrastructure and Welcomes Leaders
Belém is nearly fully prepared to host COP30 with over 160 countries attending, major infrastructure investments, and strong leadership engagement emphasizing urgent climate action.
- • More than 160 countries confirmed accommodation in Belém for COP30, with some final negotiations ongoing.
- • Brazilian federal government invested over R$6 billion in Belém’s infrastructure, benefiting 600,000 residents.
- • President Lula referred to COP30 as the “COP of truth,” calling for urgent climate action based on scientific warnings.
- • The Leaders' Summit featured a global 'family photo' and bilateral meetings to enhance diplomatic climate efforts.
Key details
As the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) approaches in Belém, Brazil, preparations highlight an almost complete global attendance and significant infrastructure investments. Valter Correia, the special secretary of COP30, confirmed that over 160 countries have booked accommodations in Belém, with roughly 30 others finalizing arrangements, signaling near-universal participation of UN parties. He emphasized tailored hospitality to meet delegation needs and noted that lodging costs have become more affordable to facilitate attendance.
Federal government investments total more than R$6 billion—over R$4 billion directly from the federal level and the rest from state and municipal partnerships. These funds have funded infrastructure improvements benefiting over 600,000 residents, including upgrades to the Porto de Outeiro and expansions at Belém’s international airport, aimed at boosting tourism and capacity ahead of the summit.
The conference opening featured a Leaders' Summit on November 7, where President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underlined the critical need for urgent climate action. During his speech, Lula dubbed COP30 the “COP of truth,” calling for serious attention to scientific warnings and courageous decisions to address climate challenges. A traditional “family photo” of world leaders in Belém symbolized broad international engagement. Lula is scheduled for bilateral talks with German and Mozambican leaders, reflecting active diplomatic efforts alongside the conference.
Together, these developments underscore Brazil's readiness and the international community’s commitment as COP30 seeks to address pivotal environmental issues amid comprehensive social and political engagement, including strong participation from indigenous peoples and NGOs.