Panjim: The United Nations has advised its staff to reduce attendance at the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, citing a severe accommodation crunch and skyrocketing hotel prices. Scheduled for November, the summit is expected to attract thousands of delegates from around the world, but limited lodging capacity and high costs have prompted concerns over equitable participation, particularly for representatives from developing nations.
In an official communication, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell requested member organizations to review the size of their delegations and limit attendance where possible. The advisory, unprecedented in recent climate summits, highlights the challenges posed by the surge in hotel rates in Belem, which have nearly doubled in some areas due to high demand. Previous COP meetings, including COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, did not face such advisories, underscoring the unique pressures of the Belem venue.
Brazilian authorities are working to expand available hotel accommodations, aiming to nearly double the number of rooms ahead of the summit. Despite these efforts, some governments have suggested relocating the conference to alleviate affordability concerns. Brazilian officials, however, have firmly rejected any such proposals, affirming their commitment to hosting the global gathering in Belem.
Developing countries have expressed particular concern over the high costs of lodging, which may limit their ability to participate fully in negotiations. In response, UNFCCC officials proposed that Brazil subsidize hotel rates for delegates from lower-income nations, suggesting a cap of $100 per night. Brazilian authorities have maintained that they can only offer limited concessions, with rates for these delegates currently capped at around $200 per night.
As the summit approaches, stakeholders are engaged in discussions to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent meaningful participation in the climate talks. The accommodation challenge has sparked broader conversations about inclusivity and accessibility in international climate negotiations, emphasizing the need for solutions that allow all nations to contribute effectively to global climate action.
The UN’s call to limit staff attendance serves as a reminder of the logistical and financial hurdles facing major international conferences and highlights the importance of planning and cooperation to ensure equitable representation in discussions critical to the future of the planet.