COP30 Gains Momentum in Belém as Agenda Advances and Participation Soars
Belém, Brazil – The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) is underway in Belém, with organizers reporting a strong start to negotiations and record-breaking participation as of today, November 14th. This marks a important shift from previous conferences, where initial progress was hampered by delays in establishing a formal agenda.
For the frist time in four years, COP opened with a government agenda in place, enabling immediate discussion of critical climate action items. Ana Toni, Executive Director of COP30, emphasized the importance of this progress, stating, “We managed to have an agenda on the first day of COP. In the last four COPs this did not happen. Without an agenda, we cannot start discussing the work of the conference.” The successful launch signals a possibly more productive two weeks of talks focused on implementing the Paris Agreement and accelerating global climate goals.
Beyond the procedural win,COP30 has seen substantial engagement from nations worldwide. organizers confirmed the submission of 111 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from participating delegations. These NDCs outline each country’s individual commitments to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
“We have data that 194 countries are accredited here at the COP, that is, almost all countries are here with us,” Toni noted. “I think the COP started very well and we intend to maintain this pace untill the end.” The high level of accreditation underscores the global urgency surrounding climate negotiations and the collective desire to forge impactful solutions.
COP30, hosted in the Amazonian city of Belém, is notably focused on the crucial role of forests and biodiversity in combating climate change. the conference is expected to address issues of climate finance, loss and damage, and the implementation of adaptation measures, particularly for vulnerable nations.
Reporting by Adrielle Farias, in Belém (PA)
