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.
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 – A High-Level COP30 Dialogue
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.
University of Colorado Boulder & Partners (UNFCCC Exhibit)
Booth 13, 10-15 Nov
Public and private institutions of Colorado (USA) participate in local to global partnerships that increase and communicate knowledge and develop effective strategies to deal with the challenges of climate change, sustainability and the protection of communities and natural resources.
University of Exeter & Partners (UNFCCC Exhibit)
Booth 27, 10 - 15 Nov
AmazonFACE: showcasing the world's largest open-air climate change experiment at the heart of the Amazon forest to inform climate policy. Free-Air CO2 Enrichment methods (FACE) test future resilience of carbon sinks and improve calculations of carbon budgets for keeping global warming well below 2°C.
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 (UNFCCC Side Event)
18:30-20:00 (BRT) - Side Event Room 3
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, PVC63, Blue Zone
An interactive event designed to inspire critical thinking and foster cross-disciplinary dialogue on climate action. We invite researchers, businesses, policymakers, activists, and various communities attending COP to participate and engage in discussions about current research on climate change and sustainability transformation.
The first segment will focus on a series of debates, spanning topics such as carbon storage in forests and built environments, long-term greenhouse gas monitoring in cities, the environmental footprint of digital technologies, and the resilience of forest ecosystems under climate stress. Together, these perspectives highlight how science can guide both mitigation and adaptation.
In the second hour, participants are encouraged to mingle, network, and continue the conversation over drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
Additional Links:
Member University Dedicated COP30 Pages
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)
- King's College London
- Monash University
- University of Exeter
- University of Helsinki
- University of Leeds
- University of Melbourne
- UNSW Sydney
- University of Reading
- Oxford Net Zero
Explore 2025/2026's 10 New Insights in Climate Science
Launched ahead of COP30, leading scientists from around the world, including within the IUCA network, review the most pressing findings in climate change-related research. Summarised into 10 concise insights, the result has always been a rich and valuable synthesis for policy and society at large.
Please also refer to the following main sources for COP30 information, which are continuously updated as information becomes available.
Thursday 13 November
University of Colorado Boulder, University of California San Diego & Partners (UNFCCC Side Event)
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 (UNFCCC Side Event)
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.
15:00-16:00 (BRT) - Finland Pavilion
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 Melbourne & University of Oxford (Australian Pavilion Event)
15:00 - 16:00, Australian Pavilion
How can governments combat greenwashing and enhance high-integrity corporate/financial efforts? What tools can move beyond target-setting towards implementation? Emerging accountability mechanisms seek to turn climate commitments into net zero delivery. Building on insights from the Taskforce on Net Zero Policy’s second report, this panel discusses key policy/regulatory developments and trends.
Speakers: Jacqueline Peel (moderator) - Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor; Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellow, University of Melbourne, Helena Viñes Fiestas - Commissioner of the Spanish Financial Markets Authority and Chair the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance; Co-chair of the Taskforce on Net Zero Policy, Nathan Fabian - Co-chair of the Taskforce on Net Zero Policy, and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Chief Responsible Investment Officer
Joana Setzer - Associate Professorial Research Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, London School of Economics (LSE), Kaya Axelsson- Head of Policy and Partnerships at Oxford Net Zero
Rana Ghoneim - Director of the Division of Energy and Climate Action, UN Industrial Development Organization
Presented by: The University of Melbourne
University of Helsinki (Finland Pavilion Event)
12:00-13:00 (BRT) - Finland Pavilion
National University of Singapore (NUS) & Partners (Singapore Pavilion Event)
10:00-11:15 - Singapore Pavilion
How can healthcare systems decarbonise without first knowing their footprint? This session explores how baselining and life cycle assessment (LCA) are reshaping how health systems measure and manage emissions. Featuring the global launch of a new healthcare LCA platform, we look at how clinicians and healthcare workers can uncover the emissions behind everyday product and clinical process, empowering them to make data-driven, low-carbon choices.
Speakers: Miss Manjit Kaur Sohal, Head of Strategy and Impact, NUS Centre for Sustainable Medicine, Mr Thomas Andrew, Head of Health System Analysis, Centre for Sustainable Medicine, National University of Singapore, Moderator: Miss Manjit Kaur Sohal, Head of Strategy and Impact, NUS Centre for Sustainable Medicine
Panellist(s): Miss Maria Blomenhofer, Project Manager and Advocacy, WECF Germany, Prof Nick Watts, Director, National University of Singapore - Centre for Sustainable Medicine, Sarin KC, Head of the Environmental Economics Unit, Heath Intervention and Technology Assessment Program Foundation (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, Mr William Liew, Deputy Director, Energy and Climate Policy, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment
Saturday 15 November
University of Exeter & Partners (UNFCCC Side Event)
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 (UNFCCC Side Event)
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 Melbourne & University of Oxford (Higher Education Pavilion Event)
16:00 - 17:15 - Higher Education Climate Action Pavilion
Around the world, communities severely impacted by climate change are developing lawsuits to sue fossil fuel companies for compensation. One of the latest efforts is by Filipino survivors of Typhoon Odette who served Shell with a letter of action threatening litigation to recover damages from the oil major. This session will address emerging scientific, social science and legal research efforts for holding corporate polluters accountable for the climate impacts of their emissions. It will also canvas how universities around the world can collaborate on research and knowledge exchange to take forward the goal of ensuring corporate climate accountability.
Speakers: Jacqueline Peel (moderator), Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellow; University of Melbourne, Australia, Sam Bookman, Lecturer on Law and Postdoctoral fellow, Project on the Foundations of Private Law, Harvard Law School, USA, Juan Auz (TBC), Postdoctoral Researcher at the Public Law & Governance Department, Tilburg University, Law School, Netherlands, Brendan Mackey, Director of the Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University, Australia, Joana Setzer, Associate Professorial Research Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, London School of Economics (LSE), UK Kaya Axelsson, Head of Policy and Partnerships at Oxford Net Zero, Oxford University, UK
Presented by: University of Melbourne
University of Cambridge & Partners (UNFCCC Side Event)
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 (UNFCCC Side Event)
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
University of Melbourne & Partner (UNFCCC Exhibit)
Booth 39, 17-20 Nov
Showcasing climate research and climate stories from the youth and early-career researchers from all over the world.
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 (UNFCCC Side Event)
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)
University of New South Wales (COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion)
19:00-20:30 (COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion) | Online Access Available
The 72 new or updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted ahead of COP30 contain 461 ocean-based climate actions (ocean-based aligned targets, policies, and measure), a remarkable 71% increase from the previous round. Join us at the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion as we launch this analysis and explore what it means for climate and biodiversity action over the next few years.
Panellists from Big Ocean States will:
- Unpack how these new commitments could shape priorities for three pivotal upcoming events: the 2026 Ocean-Climate Dialogue, UNFCCC COP31, and CBD COP17
- Identify concrete implementation priorities and untapped opportunities for investment and collaboration over the coming years
- Explore how ocean accounts can serve as a foundational data framework for tracking progress
Presented By: UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform
Thursday 20 November
Monash University & Partners (UNFCCC Side Event)
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