UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) Belém

 The 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate   Change (UNFCCC) will convene from 10 to 21 November 2025. It will take place in Belém, Pará, Brazil.

Please also refer to the following main sources for COP30 information, which are continuously updated as information becomes available.

 

Pre-COP30 Event 

The University of São Paulo (USP) will host the PRE-COP30 Event on November 6–7, 2025, at the University Campus in São Paulo.  The initiative precedes the Belém conference and aims to broaden the dialogue on the transformations required to build an environmentally balanced and socially just future.  Learn More & Register

 

IUCA COP30 Engagement

 

Wednesday 12 November

10.00 - 11.15 (GMT) (check your local timezone)

To mark Education Day at COP30, join this global online event

Register: The Journey to Net Zero: Insights and Learning from Universities Leading the Transition

Universities are uniquely positioned at the heart of the climate crisis response – shaping the next generation of leaders, driving emissions reduction on and beyond campus, and influencing regional and national net zero policy.

Co-Hosted by:  The Environmental Association of Colleges and Universities (EAUC) and the IUCA

 

Monday 17 November 

12:00 - 13:00 (BRT) - SMEs at Risk, SMEs as Solution 

Hosted by: SME Climate Hub in the Blue Zone COP30 Business Pavilion

 

Member Activity at COP30 

Monday 10 November

University of Leeds (Pavilion Event - Venue TBC)

15:00 - 18:00 (BRT) - Venue TBC

A presentation based on the Indicators of Global Climate Change initiative will be delivered by Professor Piers Forster during the opening plenary segment as part of the thematic area on: Updates on the state of the climate, Earth observations and related initiatives. This will share the latest data and information related to observed key indicators of global climate change and an indication of gaps in observation as well as where further development of observation systems is required.

 

Tuesday 11 November

University of Oxford & Partners (UNFCCC Side Event)

13:15-14:45 (BRT) -  Side Event Room 3

This event brings together experts from across government, academia, and NGOs to explore synergies between climate and biodiversity agendas in NDCs, NBSAPs, and NAPs, highlighting the role of Brazil’s forests and how threats like wildfires may undermine joint solutions amid climate overshoot.

Speakers:  Representatives of government (Brazil & Colombia), academia (EMBRAPA, Univ. of Oxford and Lancaster) and civil society (Greenpeace, Instituto Igarapé, SOS Mata Atlântica, and WWF).

Presented by: University of Oxford, Greenpeace International, SOS Atlantic Forest Foundation, WWF

University of Helsinki & Partners (Finland Pavilion Event)

17:00-18:00 (BRT) - Finland Pavilion

(In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland) 

This session will present the key messages from the Nordic Conference on Climate Change Adaptation 2025 (NOCCA), held in Finland. Key messages relate to transboundary climate risks in an interconnected world, enhance the understanding of limits to adaptation and ensuring adaptation for all through justice and novel approaches.

 

Wednesday 12 November

University of New South Wales (UNSW) & Partners

18:30-20:00 (BRT) - Side Event Room 5

This event weaves Indigenous leadership, artistic expression, and inclusive policy to explore just transitions through ancestral knowledge and community action. Voices from the Global South and North reveal pathways for adaptation, loss & damage, and resilience rooted in equity and cultural wisdom.

Speakers: First Nations leaders (COIAB, Australia, DRC), Ministry of environment Brazil, ENERGIES 2050, Earth Savers Movement, University of New South Wales, Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), South-South Cooperation Council, The Climate Institute, ART’S PLANET, COP29 NGO Coalition, Climate Envoy of Kenya.

Presented by:  University of New South Wales (UNSW), Energies 2050, Earth Savers Movement (ESM)

University of Helsinki & Aalto University (Finland Pavilion Event)

18:00-20:00 (BRT) - Finland Pavilion

The Carbon Clinique is an open and interactive space for dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners on how science can inform and accelerate climate action.

Designed as a bazaar-style gathering, the event invites participants to interact and move between thematic corners, share local realities, and explore global pathways toward a just and sustainable future.

Plus a dedicated stamp corner hosted by Climate University & Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center.

 

Thursday 13 November

University of Colorado Boulder, University of California San Diego & Partners

11:30-13:00 (BRT) - Side Event Room 3

Implementing New Forest Economies, Climate Finance, Indigenous Digital Sovereignty, and Climate Communications at the Subnational Level: perspectives from GCF Task Force Governors, Indigenous and Community leaders, and Partners on Building and Implementing New Forest Economies.

Speakers: Govs. Barbalho & Lima, BRZ; Gov. Gambini, PER; Gov.Ruiz, COL; Gov. Reategui, ECU; Gov.Aguilar, BOL; Ch.Randolph, California; Sec.Arara, GCFtf Global Cmte; Gov. Lezama, MEX; Gov. Noor, IND; Mr. Esach, CONFENIAE; F. Chimatani, ANECAP; M. Steen, DSE; J. Barbosa,CNS; M. Boykoff, CU; F. Munoz, PER

Presented by: University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), University of California, Pronatura Sur, A C.

University of Leeds & Partners

15:00-16:30 (BRT) - Side Event Room 4

This session explores how farmer-led co-research and innovation, supported by scientists and governments, can reshape policies and institutions to unlock inclusive, climate-resilient food systems with better nutrition and more effective, higher quality financing.

Speakers: Netherlands representative, Brazil representative, AgriCord representative, SACAU representative, Clim-Eat representative, WUR representative, University of Leeds representative

Presented by: University of Leeds, Stichting Clim-Eat, AgriCord vzw, Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), Vietnam, Wageningen University (WUR)

University of Helsinki & Aalto University (Finland Pavilion Event)

11:00 - 12:00 (BRT) - Finland Pavilion

As climate change reshapes every dimension of our lives, higher education must evolve to keep up and equip students, professionals, and communities with the skills and mindsets needed for a rapidly changing world.

Meeting future challenges requires a fundamental transformation in how we educate, developing not only technical expertise but also systemic, social, and ethical competencies.

Higher education has a vital role in helping to navigate uncertainty and drive change across sectors. This session explores how higher education can embed climate competencies, foster cross-sector collaboration, and prepare future professionals to lead sustainability transitions.

 

Friday 14 November

University of Leeds (Super Pollutant Solutions Pavilion Event)

15:00 - 16:00 (BRT) - Super Pollutant Solutions Pavilion

This event will highlight the latest trends in key super pollutants; identify what these mean for key climate indicators; discuss how reducing super pollutant emissions can provide co-benefits for climate and society, supporting human health outcomes; and highlight the need for ambitious and integrated health, air quality and climate policies and action.

University of Helsinki (Finland Pavilion Event)

12:00-13:00 (BRT) - Finland Pavilion

15:00-16:00 (BRT) - Finland Pavilion

When
10-21 November 2025
Location
Belém, Brazil

Additional Links:

 

Saturday 15 November

University of Exeter & Partners

11:30-13:00 (BRT) Side Event Room 6

Tropical forests are pivotal to Paris Agreement goals, supporting carbon storage, biodiversity, and food and water security. We present new international collaborative science in the Amazon, Borneo and Congo, informing carbon budgets, global partnerships and policy, and science-driven solutions.

Speakers: Keynote speakers from COP30 Presidency and IPLC leaders. Other speakers: Carlos Nobre, Mazlin Mohktar, Lydie-Stella Koutika (Amazon, Borneo and Congo Science Panel co-chairs); Prof David Lapola (Brazil); Ambassador Stephanie Al-Qaq, Prof Richard Betts (UK); Prof Anja Rammig (Germany)

Presented by:  University of Exeter, SDSN Association, Met Office Hadley Center 

 

University of Zurich (UZH) & Partners

15:00-16:30 (BRT) - Side Event Room 9

Integrated assessment of ecosystems using satellite observations, field experiments and biodiversity data can inform science-based strategies and decision making to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss to enhance ecosystem resilience.

Speakers: Maria J. Santos, University of Zurich, Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Harvard, Xiaojuan Liu, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Carmen Josse, Eco Ciencia, Carlos Nombre; Invited: Moses Azong Cho, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa, Ane Alencar, Instituto de Pesquisa Ambiental da Amazôn

Presented by:  University of Zurich (UZH), Harvard University, Fundación Ecuatoriana de Estudios Ecológicos - EcoCiencia (Fundación EcoCiencia), University of Twente (UT)

University of Cambridge & Partners

18:30-20:00 (BRT) - Side Event Room 3

How can we define what good looks like, scale climate solutions across markets and be confident they're delivering results? For a century, economic cooperation has been underpinned by the development, use and assurance of international standards. Join us to learn how to leverage this system.

Speakers: • COP30 UN Climate Champion • OECD Director • ISO Secretary-General/Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas • Business leader • BSI Director-General (Moderator)

Presented by: University of Cambridge, British Standards Institution (BSI), Asociación Española para la Economía Energética (aeee), Grupo Español para el Crecimiento Verde (GECV)

University of Melbourne & Partners

18:30-20:00 (BRT) - Side Event Room 8

Analysis of NDCs and 2050 pledges reveals an over-reliance on land-based carbon dioxide removal that far exceeds what is realistic or sustainable. We will highlight the need to develop Just Transition frameworks for forest, biodiversity and people.

Speakers: Kate Dooley, University of Melbourne; Sophia Murphy, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy; Stephen Leonard, Climate Justice Project; others TBA.

Presented by: Presented by: University of Melbourne, Climate Justice Program (ACJP), Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), Rainforest Action Network (RAN)

Monday 17 November 

University of New South Wales (DFAT - Australian Pavilion Event)

1400-1500 (BRT) - Australian Pavilion

This event will bring together Australian government and industry, together with international partners, to collaborate on solutions and opportunities to create a green metals supply chain. This will include a focus on economics, research, innovation and technology. It will feature a keynote address and panel discussion on Australia’s green metals potential and the underpinning policy framework.  

Speakers: Hon Chris Bowen - MP Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Faris - COO, ARENA, Richard Carcenac - Senior Manager Green Metals Technologies, Fortescue, Prof Rahman Daiyan, UNSW

Hosted by: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade & Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

 

Tuesday 18 November

University of Helsinki & Aalto University (Finland Pavilion Event)

9:00-10:00 (BRT) - Finland Pavilion

Global warming in the Arctic is progressing nearly four times faster than the global average, revealing the intertwined crises of ecology, inequality, and governance. This session marks 30 years of COP negotiations by reflecting on what has – and has not – changed in how global climate action recognises communities at the frontlines. Bringing together perspectives from Arctic regions, small island states, youth, and industry, the discussion explores how decolonial approaches to sustainability can guide a just, carbon-free future.

Moving beyond the outdated divide between nature and culture, the dialogue will examine how inclusive governance, indigenous knowledge, and responsible innovation can reinforce each other.

The event asks: How can we build cultures of care, solidarity, and accountability in climate policymaking? What can industries transitioning to net-zero learn from communities who already live within ecological limits?

 

Wednesday 19 November

National University of Singapore (NUS) & Partners

11:30-13:00 (BRT) - Side Event Room 9

This side event spotlights innovative conservation and sustainable use efforts that: 1) address climate change and biodiversity loss through capacity building and harmonization of governance frameworks; and 2) strengthen the contribution of ocean ecosystems to climate change mitigation & adaptation.

Speakers: Representing small island and other developing States, youth groups, Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense, Global Ocean Forum, Urban Coast Institute-Monmouth University, and National University of Singapore

Presented by: National University of Singapore (NUS), International Coastal and Ocean Organization, Monmouth University-Urban Coast Institute (UCI), World Ocean Network (WON)

 

Thursday 20 November

Monash University & Partners

13:15 - 14:45 (BRT) - Side Event Room 1 

How can higher-education institutions facilitate intergenerational partnerships to address climate change? We emphasize intergenerational collaborations grounded in place-based knowledge and learning, creating opportunities for youth leadership and reciprocal sharing, innovation and lasting impact.

Speakers: Delegates from Colorado College, University of Connecticut, Brandeis University, Instituto de Montana, Colorado State University.

Presented by: Monash University, Colorado College, Brandeis University, Moravian University