About the Event
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the world’s largest annual summit for climate negotiations and global dialogue on climate action. Established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP serves as the official platform for Parties to assess progress, set targets, and advance solutions to tackle climate change.
In 2025, Brazil will host the 30th edition of the COP, known as COP30, in the Amazonian city of Belém, Pará. As host, Brazil aims to promote multilateral consensus on greenhouse gas reduction and showcase innovative, Amazon-rooted solutions for global climate challenges.
What is the COP?
The COP is the supreme decision-making body under the UNFCCC, composed of 198 member countries. Each year, it brings together:
Heads of State and Government
Ministers and negotiators
Scientific and technical bodies
Civil society, youth, and Indigenous representatives
Private sector leaders
COP is supported by three key instruments:
SBI: Subsidiary Body for Implementation
SBSTA: Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice
CMP/CMA: Bodies that serve the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement respectively
UNFCCC Framework
Established at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit (Rio-92), the UNFCCC laid the foundation for the international climate regime. Guided by the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” the framework prioritizes action by developed nations while supporting developing countries through:
Mitigation of emissions
Adaptation strategies
Finance for climate initiatives
Technology transfer
Capacity-building programs
Additional cross-cutting issues gaining prominence include:Loss and damage, just transition, gender equity, Indigenous rights, youth engagement, agriculture, and oceans.
The COP Action Agenda
Launched in 2021, the COP Action Agenda complements formal negotiations by mobilising voluntary climate action across sectors and regions. It includes:
Thematic events and summits
Declarations and campaigns
Voluntary commitments from non-state actors
Sectoral climate pathways
The host country defines the focus areas of the Action Agenda. At COP30, Brazil will lead this effort by highlighting practical, locally driven strategies to support global climate goals.
Why Belém?
Located in the heart of the Amazon, Belém offers a unique setting for climate discussions that connect biodiversity, Indigenous stewardship, and climate resilience. This historic choice marks the first time a COP will be held in the Amazon region — symbolising global recognition of the forest’s importance to planetary health.
Learn More
Visit the UNFCCC official website for updates on COP30 agendas, participation guidelines, and registration.
Organiser
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The UNFCCC coordinates global efforts to combat climate change by promoting international cooperation, setting emission reduction goals, and supporting adaptation strategies. It facilitates negotiations through annual COP meetings, mobilizes financial and technical resources, and promotes equity through the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities among developed and developing countries.