In Belém, we’ve got to marry the world of negotiations to the actions needed in the real economy. The Action Agenda is not a ‘nice-to-have' - it is mission-critical... your job here is not to fight one another – your job here is to fight this climate crisis, together.
The opening of COP30 marks a pivotal moment for the global community to unite in responding to the urgent realities of climate change. As nations gather in Belém, the message is clear: climate change is a shared challenge, and our solutions must be collective. Now is the time to come together—across borders, sectors, and generations—to build trust, accelerate ambition, and deliver a just and sustainable future that unlocks benefits for all people and the planet.
Opening Plenary
Opening plenary marks the formal launch of COP30, setting the tone for the meeting and the weeks ahead. It brings together Parties, observers, and stakeholders to reaffirm their collective commitment to advancing global climate action through dialogue, cooperation, and shared purpose.
Delegates gather for the opening plenary of COP30
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan, hands over the presidency to COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago, Brazil
COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago, Brazil
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
Fostering Dialogue and Cooperation
Throughout the day, a wide range of events take place across COP30, from high-level meetings and roundtable discussions to technical sessions, side events, and cultural exchanges. Together, these activities foster collaboration, encourage the sharing of knowledge and experiences, and promote innovative approaches to advancing global climate action.
Understanding is key to collaboration, and throughout the day a range of press conferences take place to share information and exchange knowledge.
Participants attend the opening of Earth Information Day, which provides a platform for dialogue and information exchange on the state of the global climate system and advancements in systematic observation
A high-level leadership consultation is held to discuss to deliver a new era of nationally determined contributions (NDCs)
The Article 6.2 Ambition Dialogue allows Parties to engage in peer-to-peer discussions on fundamental questions regarding the role and function of Article 6.2 cooperative approaches to delivering on the ambition of the Paris Agreement.
Numerous side events and awards took place such as the AI for Climate Action Award, recognising AI applications designed to meet the needs in climate change adaptation and mitigation from Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell participates in a wide range of events throughout the day to help build momentum for climate action across different sectors.
Around the Venue
COP30 brings diverse groups of people together to engage, exchange knowledge, and collaborate in support of global climate action. The conference provides an important platform for dialogue and partnership, bringing together governments, organisations, and stakeholders united in their commitment to a sustainable and resilient future.
