COP30: UN Climate Change Conference
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) will be held in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November, bringing together world leaders, scientists, NGOs, and civil society to advance global climate action. The conference will focus on measures to limit global warming to 1.5°C, the submission of new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and progress on finance commitments made at COP29.
Global leaders will convene in this Amazonian city with the urgent task of driving progress on the climate agenda at a time when both multilateralism and sustainability face significant strain. The Brazilian Presidency has designated COP30 as the “Implementation COP”, emphasising accelerated action to deliver national climate plans under the Paris Agreement. Negotiations will also address key issues such as biodiversity, agroforestry, water, and energy.
At Stockholm World Water Week, Dutch Special Envoy for International Water Affairs Meike van Ginneken looked ahead to COP30 and the UN Water Conference in 2026, stating: “Water can no longer be treated as a separate theme. For the Netherlands, this means building cross-sectoral and cross-boundary bridges in diplomacy and policy, scaling up innovative approaches such as nature-based solutions, and amplifying inclusive voices in global water and climate dialogues.”
The Netherlands at COP30
Dialogue sessions led by governments, networks, and non-state actors will take place across various zones and pavilions. The Dutch delegation will play an active role throughout COP30, hosting and co-organising a series of high-impact sessions addressing pressing global water and climate challenges.
Water for Climate Pavilion
The Water for Climate Pavilion will explore the vital links between water and all aspects of climate action. Through interactive sessions and dialogues, it aims to foster collaboration, build capacity, and inspire innovation.
Highlighted Dutch-led side events
Inauguration of the Water for Climate Pavilion
Date: 10 November | Time: 13:00–14:30
Location: Water for Climate Pavilion
Hosted by: Stockholm International Water Institute
Description: Official opening of the Pavilion, introducing its themes and partners.
More info: Inauguration of the Water for Climate Pavilion – Water for Climate Pavilion
Inauguration of the Neighbourhood for Collective Action on Cities, Water and Infrastructure
Date: 10 November | Time: 16:00–17:00
Location: Water for Climate Pavilion
Hosted by: Government of the Netherlands
Description: Launch of the Neighbourhood, a 400 m² collaborative space uniting four pavilions dedicated to people- and place-centred climate action. Bringing together high-level representatives aligned with the COP30 Presidency’s Axis 4: Cities, Infrastructure and Water, the event will set the tone for two weeks of dialogue and partnership-building. The Neighbourhood aims to strengthen recognition of the urban agenda, promote water security and resilient infrastructure, and give cities and regions a stronger voice as key climate actors.
More info: Inauguration of the Neighbourhood for Collective Action – Water for Climate Pavilion
A Global Call for Hydrological Resilience: Putting Water at the Heart of Climate Action
Date: 11 November | Time: 11:30–13:00
Location: Side-event room 6
Hosted by: Government of the Netherlands and the International Water Management Institute
Speakers: The Dutch Water Envoy, Global Commissioner, Representative of CGF, Representative of IWMI, Representative of ACTO, Representative of ADB, Representative of UNCCD/UNFCCC/CBD, Representative of COP Presidencies future and present
Description: This session explores how building hydrological resilience demands a multisectoral approach integrating both adaptation and mitigation. It will discuss how climate and land-use change, poor water management, and ecosystem degradation reinforce each other, and how breaking this cycle can strengthen communities, livelihoods, and economies.
Reposition Brazil as a global leader in water stewardship and the plan on water management in urban contexts
Date: 12 November| Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Location: COP30 Pavilion – Axis 4 Thematic Room
Hosted by: Brazilian Ministry of Cities
Speakers: The Dutch Water Envoy; Ms. Meike van Ginneken
Description: This panel aligns with Brazil’s Acceleration Plan for Solutions for Water and Sanitation Management: Building Resilience and Sustainability, led by the Ministry of Cities. The Plan strengthens water and sanitation management in urban and rural areas, promoting climate adaptation, water efficiency, and social inclusion. It forms part of the COP30 Action Agenda, Axis 4 – Resilient Urban Infrastructure, Objective 14 – Water Management, reinforcing Brazil’s commitment to sustainable, replicable solutions and international cooperation for more resilient cities.
Demand-driven Support for Implementable Adaptation Plans
Date: 13 November | Time: 10:00–11:30
Location: Water for Climate Pavilion
Hosted by: Government of the Netherlands, NAP Global Network, Germany/GIZ, Brazil (tbc)
Description: This session will bring together governments, development partners, and practitioners to explore how demand-driven support can help countries move from planning to implementation. It will highlight lessons from adaptation providers and recipients, identify key knowledge and capacity gaps, and showcase collaboration that accelerates action on the ground.
Biodiversity in Climate Action: Use Case Insights and Next Steps for Sustainable Food Systems Change
Date: 16 November | Time: 10:00–11:15
Location: Auditorio 3, Agrizone
Hosted by: Netherlands Food Partnership
Bridging Local Evidence and Global Action: Biodiversity for Climate-resilient and Nutrition-secure Food Systems
Date: 19 November | Time: 09:00–10:00
Location: Food & Agriculture Pavilion
Hosted by: CGIAR, Netherlands Food Partnership, and partners
COP30 Action Agenda
The COP30 Action Agenda mobilises voluntary climate action from civil society, businesses, investors, cities, regions, and countries to accelerate emission reductions, adaptation, and the transition to sustainable economies. Guided by the first Global Stocktake, the Agenda translates its findings into six key thematic pillars covering mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology, and capacity-building.
Learn more: Action agenda
Note: This overview highlights a selection of Dutch-led and Dutch-supported events. The COP30 programme continues to evolve, and new sessions may be added. Please visit the official COP30 website and the Water for Climate Pavilion page for the latest updates.
Further reading and schedules
- UNFCCC - COP30 UN website
- COP 30 UN overview schedule
- Thematic Days at COP30
- Side Events & Exhibits | UN Climate Change Conference November 2025 (COP 30)
- Water for Climate Pavilion
- Food & Agriculture Pavilion