"The United Nations will not give up on the 1.5 degrees goal... too many people are losing hope that their leaders will act. We need to move faster – and move together. This COP must ignite a decade of acceleration and delivery."
~ UN Secretary General António Guterres
Effective leadership is the backbone of a thriving multilateral system, empowering nations to work together to tackle the climate crisis. Ahead of COP30, high-level leaders gathered in Belém, demonstrating that the world still stands firmly behind multilateralism and the Paris Agreement.
By fostering trust, dialogue, and collective responsibility, leaders at COP30 can chart a strategic course that fuels bold climate action across the globe and benefits the lives and livelihoods of all people on our planet. The launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility is an example of decisive leadership for the benefit of us all: a bold mechanism to make standing forests more valuable than cleared land – aligning conservation with opportunity, and solidarity with shared prosperity.
Opening of the Belém Climate Summit
The Belém Climate Summit saw the attendance of more than 50 heads of state reconfirming their commitment to climate action.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, welcomes UN Secretary-General António Guterres, to the High-level Segment of the Belém Climate Summit
Brazilian performers welcome high-level dignitaries to the opening ceremony
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
Family photo of high-level dignitaries attending the Belém Climate Summit
High-Level Sessions
During the Belém Climate Summit, a variety of thematic sessions, roundtable discussions, and initiatives were launched, in an effort to build momentum for greater climate action.
A thematic session was held to discuss 'Climate and Nature: Forests and Oceans'
A thematic session on the energy transition
UN Secretary-General António Guterres co-chaired a roundtable discussion in adaptation with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
Thematic Session: 10 Years of the Paris Agreement
The Tropical Forest Forever Facility, a bold mechanism to make standing forests more valuable than cleared land, was launched at the Belém Climate Summit
Bilateral Meetings with the UN Secretary-General
Bilateral meetings create space for direct, high-level dialogue that strengthens relationships and builds political momentum for climate action. Such engagements are vital to reinforcing trust, aligning national commitments with global objectives, and mobilising greater cooperation and resources.
A bilateral meeting took place with the Prime Minister of Barbados
Bilateral meeting with the EU Commissioner and EU Council President
Bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the UK
Bilateral meeting with China
Bilateral meeting with Türkiye
Bilateral meeting with the International Energy Agency
Bilateral meeting with high-level dignitaries from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
Behind the Scenes with the UN Secretary-General
The UN Secretary-General remains deeply committed to advancing climate action, working tirelessly behind the scenes to engage world leaders, build consensus, and bridge political divides. Through quiet diplomacy and sustained dialogue, he helps to strengthen trust, mobilise ambition, and ensure collective progress on combatting climate change.
