Peace Boat US is excited to announce its participation in COP 30 in Belem, Brazil this November 10-21, 2025, bringing our commitment to youth empowerment, ocean–climate action, and peace for climate justice to the world’s largest climate gathering. The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the largest annual global United Nations event for discussions and negotiations on climate change. The government of Brazil will host the thirtieth COP with a view to building on previous successes and paving the way for future ambition to effectively tackle the global challenge of climate change. The conference will take place in Belem, a city which provides a unique platform to discuss climate solutions, firmly rooted in the heart of the Amazon. For more information about COP, visit the UNFCCC website.
We are excited to be joined by alumni from Peace Boat’s youth capacity-building programs at COP 30, who will share their experiences and initiatives for climate solutions. Throughout the conference, we will highlight the urgent connections between ocean health and the climate crisis, and emphasize that peace is essential to building just and sustainable futures. By amplifying youth voices, strengthening networks, and linking the climate, ocean, and peace agendas, Peace Boat US will continue its work to ensure that global climate action is inclusive, resilient, and just.
Militarism, Climate Change and the Pacific: Building Resilience, Peace and Justice
Date: Monday 10 November
Time: 16:00 – 16:50
Location: Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion
This side event will highlight Pacific leadership and testimonies on the links between militarism, emissions, climate finance, and resilience. The discussion will examine how militarism drives the climate crisis and undermines resilience, and why demilitarisation is essential for peace, security, and climate justice in the region. Community perspectives will show how demilitarisation is vital to achieving the 1.5°C target, strengthening resilience through culture and traditional knowledge, and safeguarding peace and security. The event is co-organized by Peace Boat, WILPF, CEOBS, PICAN and Alliance for Future Generations Fiji.
100×100 Global Launch: 100 Islands, 100% Renewable, Determination Beyond Hope
Event at the Global Renewables Hub – COP30
Date: Tuesday 11 November
Time: 10:30
Location: Global Renewables Hub at the Blue Zone
Peace Boat US will present at this event which will discuss Islands on the frontlines of climate change. Islands, while burdened by expensive energy imports and shrinking resources, are constantly proving to be living laboratories for global sustainability. The 100×100 Campaign – “100 islands for 100% renewables” is a joint initiative by GTI Foundation and BPA aimed at securing commitments from 100 island jurisdictions worldwide by 2030 based on comprehensive roadmaps to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045 or sooner. Co-organizers: Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Greening the Islands (GTI) Foundation, Global Solar Council (GSC), Blue Planet Alliance (BPA).
Rising Tides, Rising Voices: Building Youth Capacity and Networks for Pacific Climate Action
Date: Tuesday 11 November
Time: 13:00 – 13:50
Location: Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion
This side event will showcase Pacific youth leadership in addressing the climate crisis and protecting the ocean. Alumni of Peace Boat’s capacity-building programs including the Youth for the SDGs program will share experiences and initiatives from their communities. Pacific youth will join peers from other organisations in a dialogue by youth and for youth, amplifying Pacific voices and strengthening intergenerational solidarity. The event is co-organized by Peace Boat and Alliance for Future Generations Fiji.
Press Conference: Disarming the Climate Crisis: Putting Militarism on the Agenda at COP30
Date: Wednesday 12 November
Time: 13:00 – 13:30
Location: Press Conference 2 – Area D
Peace Boat and partners will highlight the urgent need for demilitarization for climate justice.
Integrating Cryosphere Science into Nature-based Climate Strategies to Enhance Ocean Resilience
Date: Thursday 13 November
Time: 15:00 –16:00
Location: Ocean Pavilion
Peace Boat will speak about its voyage to Antarctica in recognition of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation with UNESCO at an event organized by the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (OPRI-SPF) and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP). The session will explore how rapid cryosphere loss is reshaping oceans and climate systems, and highlight adaptation, finance, and cross-regional solutions linking the Arctic, Himalayas, Amazon, and Atlantic.
Disarming the Climate Crisis: The True Cost of Militarism
Date: Thursday 13 November
Time: 18:30 – 20:00
Location: Side event Room 4
This side event will examine how militarism drives the climate crisis and undermines climate justice. Militaries are responsible for an estimated 5.5% of global emissions yet remain exempt from Paris Agreement reporting, while global military spending reached USD 2.7 trillion in 2024, diverting resources from urgent climate needs. Speakers from research, peace, and frontline communities will explore military emissions, spending, nuclear risks, and militarized climate responses, underscoring why demilitarization is essential to achieving a just and sustainable future. Organized by WILPF, Peace Boat, IPPNW, and Peace Track Initiative.
Film Screening and Discussion: Ouro Negro é a Gente (Black Gold is the People)
Date: Monday 17 November
Time: 9:00 – 10:00
Location: Ocean Pavilion in the Blue Zone
We will host a screening of Baiana’s film Ouro Negro é a Gente (Black Gold is the People), that follows the Quilombola population on Ilha de Maré, in Bahia de Todos os Santos, which is fighting to protect their ecosystems from the oil extraction, drawing on their indigenous knowledge.
This will be followed by a fishbowl discussion in which we will discuss the question how art, Ocean Literacy and international policymaking can open a space for native people and Afro-Brazilian Fisherwomen and their concerns and showcase their role in managing nature and leading action to combat climate change.
In this discussion we are happy to connect representatives of the local community with international stakeholders that participate in the conference.
We will be joined by:
- Josana Pinto da Costa (part of the Movement of Artisanal Fishermen and Fisherwomen of Brazil In Pará State – MP: Comunidade Amador município de Óbidos DN do MPP -Movimento dos pescadores e pescadoras artesanais; WFFP/ FÓRUM MUNDIAL DOS POVOS PESCADORES)
- Lider Gongora Farias (prominent defender of Ecuadorian mangrove ecosystems, WFFP / MPP/ CCONDEM/ Redmanglar Internacional)
- Aline Baiana (artist, Brazil)
- Anne-Marie Melster (ARTPORT_making waves)
- Eric Terena (artist-activist, Brazil)
- Emilie McGlone (Director, Peaceboat US)
Youth for SDGs and Ecoship: Innovation for Climate and Ocean Action
Date: Monday 17 November
Time: 12:00 – 12:40
Location: Finland Pavilion
At COP30, Peace Boat will host an event highlighting our Youth for SDGs program and the forthcoming Ecoship. The session will showcase youth leadership from climate frontline regions and present Ecoship as a floating laboratory for innovation, citizen science, and sustainable maritime solutions. It will also explore opportunities for collaboration aligned with Finland’s priorities on digitalisation, circular economy, and climate-smart shipping.
Film Screening and Discussion: The Last Dive
Date: Monday 17 November
Time: 16:00
Location: Free Zone (Flag Square; 458, R. João Diogo, 316 – Campina, Belém – PA, 66015-165)
Join us for a special screening and panel discussion with partners from THE LAST DIVE at COP30 in Belém on Monday, November 17 in the FREEZONE at 16:00. RSVP here for this FREE event.
The Last Dive is a new documentary that just premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, where it won the award for best cinematography in a doc feature! Directed by award-winning filmmaker Cody Sheehy and produced by acclaimed Mark Monroe, The Last Dive is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant documentary that invites viewers to reflect on our connection to the natural world—and the wild, mysterious creatures that help us find our place in it. Peace Boat US will share their work for ocean conservation during the UN Ocean Decade.
Exhibition: Towards a Zero-Emission Ship
Peace Boat will host an Exhibition at COP 30 from Nov 17 – 20 and we welcome attendees to come learn more about our Youth for the SDGs scholarship program for the UN Ocean Decade and Peace Boat’s Ecoship as we work towards decarbonization of the maritime industry.
Press Conference Ecoship and Youth for the SDGs in the UN Ocean Decade
Date: Tuesday 18 November
Time: 11:30 -12:00
Location: Press Conference 2 – Area D
Peace Boat highlights Ecoship and youth leadership as innovative platforms for ocean and climate action in the UN Ocean Decade.
Youth Empowerment for Climate and Ocean Action: Capacity-Building through the Youth for SDGs Program
Date: Thursday 20 November
Time: 15:00-16:00
Location: SDGs Pavilion
This event will highlight the importance of youth empowerment and capacity-building for effective climate and ocean action. Drawing on Peace Boat’s Youth for the SDGs program, an official “Contribution” to the UN Ocean Decade, the session will showcase how experiential learning, skills development, and international collaboration equip young leaders to take action in their communities and on the global stage. Youth representatives, policymakers, and experts will share experiences and strategies, emphasizing the role of intergenerational collaboration and education in creating more just and resilient climate and ocean governance.
Youth for the SDGs: Voices from Small Island Developing States for Ocean and Climate Action
Date: Thursday 20 November
Time: 16:30 -17:30
Location: Ocean Pavilion
Young people are at the forefront of climate and ocean action worldwide. Peace Boat US’ Youth for the SDGs program, endorsed by IOC UNESCO as a Contribution to the UN Ocean Decade, empowers diverse youth leaders from around the world to engage in capacity-building on ocean protection, climate justice, and the SDGs. This session will showcase inspiring youth projects, highlighting innovative solutions for ocean conservation, climate resilience, and just transitions with a special focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Youth leaders from island and coastal communities will share experiences on topics such as ocean literacy, renewable energy, and community-based adaptation. The event is co-organized by Peace Boat, Oceanic Global, Global Kids, Blue Planet Alliance, Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI), RISE UP: a blue call to action, Parley for the Oceans, Ministry of Environment of Ireland, and Our Shared Ocean Program.
Capacity Building for Youth Leadership on Climate Action
UNFCCC Side Event
Date: Thursday 20 November
Time:18:30 – 20:00
Location: Side Event Room 9
Global youth leaders, including Peace Boat alumni, will showcase how intergenerational empowerment and capacity-building drive action for climate and ocean justice. Speakers include: Global Kids youth leaders, Peace Boat US Youth for the SDGs Program for the UN Ocean Decade, Peace Boat Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassadors with an emphasis on SIDS and underserved communities.
Youth for the SDGs: Empowering Young Leaders for Ocean and Climate Action – Virtual Ocean Pavilion
Location: Virtual – will be available online
This event will highlight youth empowerment and capacity building as critical pathways for advancing the ocean, climate, and biodiversity agenda, with a focus on Peace Boat’s Youth for the SDGs program. The Youth for the SDGs program, endorsed by IOC-UNESCO as an official “Contribution” to the UN Ocean Decade, brings together youth leaders from around the world with a focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and frontline communities. While several youth alumni will participate in Peace Boat’s events in person in Belém, not all youth will be able to travel to COP30. This virtual event offers a vital and unique opportunity for them to participate, share their experiences, and contribute to the discussion.
