Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Belém, the capital of Pará State in northern Brazil, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). The high-level gathering is taking place in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, a region globally recognized as one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems for carbon storage and biodiversity.
Hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in collaboration with global development partners and international organizations, COP30 brings together world leaders, environmental advocates, scientists, and private sector stakeholders. The conference operates under the theme “Climate Action and Implementation,” with special attention to climate adaptation, forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate justice for vulnerable communities.
Vice President Shettima’s participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to advancing climate resilience, sustainable energy, and green economic transformation. His engagements will begin with the general plenary session, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s National Climate Action Address, outlining the country’s strategies for reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy, and expanding nature-based solutions.
Shettima will also take part in the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund, a global initiative aimed at financing long-term forest preservation efforts, particularly in tropical regions such as the Congo Basin and the Amazon. In addition, he will join a roundtable on Climate and Nature, chaired by President Lula, to discuss the shared responsibility of nations in balancing development with environmental protection.
Later in the day, the Nigerian Vice President will attend an Amazonian Cocktail Reception for heads of delegations, hosted by President Lula, fostering opportunities for diplomatic dialogue and strategic partnerships.
This year’s COP30 marks a decade since the historic Paris Agreement of 2015, and it is considered a pivotal moment for global climate governance. Discussions are expected to focus on accelerating efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, as well as mobilizing at least $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance by 2035 to support developing countries in their transition to low-carbon economies.
Nigeria’s participation in COP30 aligns with its broader Energy Transition Plan, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, expand clean energy access, and unlock billions in carbon finance opportunities through sustainable development projects.
Through his presence at the summit, Vice President Shettima reaffirms Nigeria’s position as a key African player in the global climate dialogue—advocating for equity, climate justice, and increased financial support to help developing nations adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
