COP30 in Belém and COP31 Bid in Australia

1. Where and When Will COP30 Be Held?

COP30 will be held in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November 2025. This marks the first-ever COP hosted in the Amazon region, emphasizing global attention on forest conservation, indigenous rights, and climate justice. Belém’s selection symbolizes the critical role tropical forests play in regulating the Earth’s carbon balance.

2. Who Has Proposed to Host COP31 in 2026?

Australia has officially submitted its bid to host COP31 in 2026, representing the Western European and Other Group (WEOG). The proposal, made in partnership with Pacific Island nations, highlights the shared commitment to addressing climate resilience and sea-level rise challenges faced by vulnerable island states.

3. Which Country Has Announced Interest in Hosting COP32?

Nigeria has expressed its intention to host COP32 in 2027 under the Africa Group’s rotation. If approved, Nigeria would become the first West African nation to host a Conference of the Parties, underscoring Africa’s growing voice in global climate negotiations.

4. Has India Shown Interest in Hosting a Future COP?

Yes, India has proposed to host COP33 in 2028. The bid aligns with India’s rising leadership in climate diplomacy, sustainable development, and energy transition. Hosting the event would reinforce India’s proactive stance under the Paris Agreement and its role within the G20 Climate Agenda.

5. Which of These COPs Have Confirmed Hosts?

As of now, only COP30 (Belém, Brazil) is officially confirmed. The remaining conferences—COP31 (Australia-Pacific partnership), COP32 (Nigeria), and COP33 (India)—are in the proposal or bid stages and await formal approval by the UNFCCC Secretariat and its member countries.

6. Why Is Belém’s Selection for COP30 Significant?

Belém’s location within the Amazon rainforest adds deep symbolic and environmental significance. The Amazon is often called the “lungs of the Earth” for its crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide. Hosting COP30 there highlights urgent global priorities like deforestation control, indigenous participation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable financing for forest conservation.

7. How Does the UNFCCC Choose COP Hosts?

The UNFCCC follows a regional rotation system among five geographical groups:

• Africa
• Asia-Pacific
• Eastern Europe
• Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC)
• Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG)

Countries from the respective regional group submit their proposals, which are later approved through consensus among all participating nations.

8. What Are the Strategic Interests Behind Hosting a COP?

Hosting a Conference of the Parties (COP) provides multiple strategic advantages. It:

• Enhances a nation’s global diplomatic influence on climate issues.
• Attracts investment in green infrastructure and renewable energy.
• Showcases national achievements in climate policy and adaptation.
• Encourages international collaboration and knowledge exchange in sustainability.

Ultimately, COP hosting is both a matter of prestige and a platform to shape the future of global climate governance.