✨ First COP? Start Here.
This is the guide we wish we had the first time we tried to navigate a UN Climate Conference. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just everything you actually need to know.
We break down what COP really is, how to get a badge (through every possible route), why you might want to attend, why it’s okay if you don’t, and what to prepare if you do. Think of it as your backstage pass to the world of climate diplomacy, written by people who’ve been there, figured it out the hard way, and are here to make it easier for you.
Still have questions? Reply to this article or shoot us an email, we’ve got your back. 🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢

So, what’s happening?

📍 Location: Belém, Brazil
🗓️ Dates: November 10–21, 2025
🌱 Why it matters: We’re off track. Only ~10% of countries have submitted updated climate action plans (NDCs). The world is watching.

It’s been 10 years since the Paris Agreement. The planet just crossed 1.5°C. And the next two years may decide everything.
Enter COP30 , the UN’s biggest climate summit, set in the beating green heart of the Amazon.
This isn’t just another conference. It’s the reset button. A check-in on our global climate homework and a chance to turn promises into policies.

What we offer ?

If you need support with handling delegation or navigating COP30, we’re bringing together a group of experienced professionals to help you figure it out.
If you’re interested in receiving support, please email us at [email protected] with the specific areas where you need assistance, the type of support you're looking for, and the remuneration you can offer.

📬 Want COP30 updates, programs, and youth access opportunities in your inbox? Subscribe to ImpactShip. We’ll keep you ahead of the curve.

🧭 What’s on the Agenda for COP 30?

• 💥 Raising Ambition: Countries must submit new and improved Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by September 2025- with targets to actually meet the 1.5°C goal.

• 💸 Climate Finance: The talk is $1.3 trillion annually for climate finance. The reality? Still TBD. COP30 will push for concrete financial commitments from wealthier countries.

• 🌾 Adaptation: From floods to food systems, adaptation is core to climate resilience. Emphasis on developing robust adaptation strategies, including national adaptation plans and indicators.Expect a spotlight on National Adaptation Plans.

• 🌳 Forests & Biodiversity: The Amazon isn’t just Brazil’s headline - it’s the planet’s lung. Forest protection and Indigenous leadership will be key themes. Protecting the Amazon and other critical ecosystems will be central, with initiatives like Brazil's proposed $125 billion Tropical Forest Forever Facility.

• 🔗 Implementation > Pledges: The goal isn’t more speeches. It’s tangible, trackable, inclusive implementation, especially with SDGs on the line.

🤔 Should You Attend COP30?

Attending COP30 offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, advocacy, and firsthand experience in global climate negotiations. However, it's essential to assess:

• Relevance: Does your work align with the conference's objectives?

• Capacity: Can you contribute meaningfully to discussions and initiatives?

• Resources: Do you have the necessary funding and support to attend?

Consider attending if you:

• Are part of an accredited organization or can secure observer status.

• Aim to engage directly in climate negotiations or advocacy.

• Seek to network with global climate leaders and stakeholders.

🌍 Your Seat at the Table Starts with Showing Up

The truth? No one makes it to COP alone. Whether you're aiming to secure a badge, join a delegation, or volunteer, the key lies in showing up with purpose. Build your network. Be clear on your agenda. Know what you stand for and what value you bring to the space. You don’t have to know everything or do everything, being part of a group, a coalition, a constituency means you move forward together. Keep your eyes open for open calls and delegate applications (we’ll be publishing them as they drop!). And remember: The most powerful movements have always started with committed individuals joining forces. You belong in this room don’t doubt it for a second.

What roles can YOU play? This is how we see COPs -

1️⃣ Negotiation Track
Want to learn or support climate negotiations (adaptation, finance, loss & damage)?
You can attend as part of a country delegation or observer group.

• UNFCCC National Focal Points Directory
  Official contact list to reach out for party/overflow nomination.
  https://unfccc.int/process/parties-non-party-stakeholders/parties/national-focal-point

2️⃣ Civil Society Track
Join advocacy groups, coalitions, or grassroots movements.
Help influence negotiations, speak at events, or network for action.

3️⃣ Project + Startup Track
Showcase your climate work, speak at pavilions, find funding, pitch, and partner.
Many secure visibility or collaborations from COP.

• Observers' Guide to Advocacy Actions (PDF)
  UN rules for observer organizations' actions at COP.
  https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/Observers%27%20Guide%20to%20Advocacy%20Actions.pdf

For more information, queries or any question you have - reach out to us directly at [email protected]

Thinking of Attending COP30? Here's Your Impactship Guide -

🎟️ Understanding Participation Roles

Party Delegate: An official member of a country's delegation, nominated by the national UNFCCC focal point. Delegates engage directly in negotiations and decision-making processes.

Party Overflow: Additional participants nominated beyond the official delegation quota. While they can access negotiation areas, they do not have speaking rights in formal sessions. Their role often includes observation and support.

📞 Connecting with Your National Focal Point

Each country has a designated UNFCCC focal point responsible for coordinating national participation. To express interest:

1. Identify Your Focal Point: Access the list here: https://unfccc.int/process/parties-non-party-stakeholders/parties/national-focal-point

2. Reach Out: Contact them via the provided email or phone number to express your interest in joining the delegation or being considered as party overflow.

3. Follow the Process: Your focal point will guide you through your country’s internal selection and nomination procedures.

Tip: Initiate contact early, as delegation sizes are limited.

🧭 Through Accredited Observer Organizations

The UNFCCC maintains a list of admitted NGOs and IGOs that can nominate observers:

• Admitted NGOs: https://unfccc.int/process/parties-non-party-stakeholders/non-party-stakeholders/admitted-ngos/list-of-admitted-ngos

• Admitted IGOs: https://unfccc.int/process/parties-non-party-stakeholders/non-party-stakeholders/admitted-igos/list-of-admitted-igos

Reach out to organizations aligned with your interests, present your agenda, and inquire about available badges.

🎥 Securing a Media Badge: Amplify the Climate Narrative

For journalists and media professionals aiming to cover COP30, obtaining a media badge is a pivotal step. The UNFCCC's Online Registration System (ORS) is the exclusive channel for media accreditation. Applicants must provide:

• A valid press ID.

• A letter of assignment from a recognized media organization, detailing the journalist's role and duration of coverage.

Ensure all documents are in English or another official UN language and are uploaded in the specified formats. It's crucial to note that previous accreditations do not carry over; each event requires a fresh application. Timely submission is essential, as processing can take time, and late applications may not be accommodated. For detailed guidelines and to initiate the application process, visit the UNFCCC's media accreditation page - https://unfccc.int/about-us/press-and-media#tab_home

🤝 Volunteering with COP30: Engage Locally, Impact Globally

If you're based in Brazil or nearby regions, volunteering at COP30 offers a unique avenue to contribute to global climate action. The COP30 Presidency and associated organizations often seek volunteers for various roles, including logistics, communications, and event coordination. Volunteering not only provides firsthand experience of the conference's inner workings but also allows you to network with professionals and activists from around the world. Opportunities may arise through official COP30 channels or affiliated organizationsm which has previously recruited volunteers for COP-related events. Stay updated by regularly checking the COP30 official website and related platforms for announcements on volunteer opening

Navigating COP30: Resources and Guides

1. COP30 Advocacy Guide (Our favourite for NewBees!)
   Best step-by-step guide to organize and push for impact.
   https://new.express.adobe.com/page/CwEnVEVJ26Yaz/

2. Climate Toolkit by Care About Climate
   Tools to build advocacy and negotiation skills.
   https://www.careaboutclimate.org/climate-toolkit-and-community-of-practice

3. UNFCCC Participant Guide
   Overview of how the UN climate process works.
   https://unccelearn.org/course/view.php?id=174&page=overview

4. Mastering International Climate Negotiations Course
   Everything you need to know to engage in climate diplomacy.
   https://unccelearn.org/course/view.php?id=206&page=overview

5. COP Timeline Video (Down to Earth)
   Visual guide to climate negotiations history-
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi02uqRT63c

   watch other videos by Down TO Earth on COPs - Here

6. Navigating COP: Earth.org Deep Dive
   Explainer on what happens at COP and how to follow.
   https://earth.org/navigating-cop-a-deep-dive-into-the-un-climate-conference-process/

7. UNFCCC Secretariat Structure Overview (PDF)
   Org chart of UNFCCC’s structure and who does what.
   https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/structure_overview_20200709.pdf

8. UN Climate Talks Timeline by CFR
   Political evolution of global climate talks.
   https://www.cfr.org/timeline/un-climate-talks

   

   🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

9. UN CC:Learn Portal - For Deep Dives
   Access free e-courses on climate policy.
   https://unccelearn.org/

10. Climate Talk Platform
    Youth-led content on policy issues from food to climate law.
    https://climatalk.org/

11. IPCC Reports Library
    Science-backed climate data and projections.
    https://www.ipcc.ch/reports/

12. Oxford Smith School Webinars
    Insightful YouTube lectures on climate policy & systems.
    https://www.youtube.com/@oxfordsmithschool/videos

13. Youth in Climate & Tech Policy (YES-Europe Report)
    Breakdown of youth involvement in climate tech governance.
    https://yeseurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Youth-Involvement-in-the-UN-Climate-and-Technology-Sphere.pdf

14. Role in Energy Transition (YES-Europe Report)
    Where youth fit in the global energy shift.
    https://yeseurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/What-is-our-role-in-energy-transition.pdf

15. YES-Europe Future of Energy Report
    Youth-written insights into energy futures.
    https://yeseurope.org/knowledge-sharing/reports/

16. World Youth for Climate Justice (WY4CJ) Resources
    Advocacy and legal tools for young climate advocates.
    https://www.wy4cj.org/resources

Email us at [email protected] for any support , questions you have !

Alternatives to in-person attendance:

• Participate in local climate events or virtual COP30 side events.

• Engage with COP30 proceedings through live streams and social media.

• Support grassroots organizations and campaigns aligned with COP30 objectives.

Final thoughts?

✅ Don’t go just to take pictures.
✅ Go with purpose. Go prepared.
✅ Even if you’re new, your presence matters.
It will be overwhelming.
It will also be unforgettable.Keep showing up, keep cheering each other on, and as always, run happy! 🏃‍♂️💛

THE CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS
Here is how we can help -

If you need support with handling delegation or navigating COP30, we’re bringing together a group of experienced professionals to help you figure it out.
If you’re interested in receiving support, please email us at [email protected] with the specific areas where you need assistance, the type of support you're looking for, and the remuneration you can offer.
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊