By Jenifer Gilla,
Belém, Brasil. Global leaders at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) have renewed calls for urgent and united action to protect people and the planet, urging countries to move from promises to implementation as climate impacts intensify.
The summit, taking place from November 10 to 21, 2025 in Brazil’s Amazon area, opened with strong messages of hope, culture, and determination from both international and national leaders.
Speaking during the opening ceremony on Monday, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell said the Paris Agreement had created the engine for climate progress, but warned that it was now time to “hit the accelerator” for people, prosperity, and the planet.
He urged governments to shift from commitments to tangible action through policies that shape markets, financing that delivers measurable results, and solutions that directly improve lives.
“This COP process is ultimately all about people, people who may not follow every negotiation, but who feel the consequences in their anxiety about intensifying disasters, in food prices, insurance costs, and energy bills that rise with every drought, flood, storm, and heatwave,” he said.
Stiell pledged to work closely with the COP30 President to deliver the strongest outcome possible, stressing the need to address the toughest issues without delay. He reminded leaders that the world is watching to see whether this year’s summit can turn unity into action and speeches into solutions.
“This is my fourth COP as Executive Secretary. Everyone and many before has delivered real outcomes. Countries have overcome their differences and moved the world forward. We must do so again,” he insisted.
He noted that the global transition to clean energy and sustainable growth must be fair and inclusive. “We will only win the fight against the climate crisis if all people in all nations can get a fair piece of the epic benefits,” he emphasised.
Stiell underlined that COP30 is not just another annual gathering, but a moment of accountability. Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the world is experiencing record temperatures, severe droughts, and widening inequalities—making implementation more urgent than ever.
COP30 President, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, described the opening morning as “wonderful” and “deeply touching,” highlighting the powerful cultural performance by Indigenous Peoples, whose songs symbolised the deep connection between people, nature, and culture.
“I’m really glad with this first morning. We had a wonderful opening with beautiful singing by Indigenous Peoples. That was really very touching,” he said.
He also praised country delegations for agreeing on the conference agenda after late-night negotiations, calling it a “fantastic achievement” that would enable the summit to immediately begin intensive work.
HUDEFO Executive Director, Sarah Pima, urged countries to ensure that agreements made at COP30 are translated into concrete action on the ground. She said nations like Tanzania are already feeling the severe impacts of climate change, including drought and coastal erosion in areas such as Dodoma, Bagamoyo, and Singida.
“The impacts of climate change are already disrupting livelihoods and food security. Many Tanzanians, like millions around the globe, are waiting for global leaders to turn promises into tangible solutions,” she said.