By Dare Akogun
As global attention shifts to Brazil ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), alongside its global partners, has declared its unwavering solidarity and support for the Government and people of Brazil and the COP30 Presidency.
In a strong statement issued Monday, the civil society consortium commended Brazil’s preparations to host the landmark event scheduled to take place in Belém, in the heart of the Amazon region, from November 10 to 21, 2025.
The coalition which includes the Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC) and the African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO) praised the Brazilian government’s commitment to inclusivity and climate justice, noting the importance of hosting COP30 in the Amazon, a vital carbon sink and biodiversity hotspot.
“We are encouraged by the commitment expressed by the Government of Brazil, and the efforts of the COP30 Presidency, and look forward to a COP30 organization that leaves no one behind,” said Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, CEO of Afrihealth Optonet Association, a global CSO network and think-tank.
Building on the Legacy of COP29
The endorsement comes shortly after the successful conclusion of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where AHOA and its partners actively participated in discussions and consultations. According to Dr. Adirieje, the outcome of COP29 exceeded expectations, largely due to Azerbaijan’s well-organized coordination and the unified involvement of civil society organizations (CSOs) worldwide.
AHOA had played a leading role at COP29, advocating for unity among CSOs, providing feedback on the conference’s effectiveness, and hosting major global civil society networks under its umbrella.
The Road to COP30: Climate Justice and Civic Space in Focus
As COP30 approaches, AHOA is calling for broader civic inclusion, particularly in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the global climate agenda.
The group is urging all Parties to the UNFCCC to safeguard civic space, ensure the participation of marginalized groups, and protect the rights of climate activists and human rights defenders.
“The need to drive home the importance of global cooperation and shared effort in addressing climate change can never be overemphasized.
“A vibrant civic space enhances accountability, brings diverse perspectives to the table, and strengthens policy implementation,” Dr. Adirieje stated
The association emphasized the need for accessible visa processes, support for CSO participation, equitable access to funding, and special consideration for countries suffering most from climate-induced loss and damage.
Amazon in the Spotlight
Highlighting the symbolic and strategic significance of Belém in the Amazon region as the host city, the coalition said it expects COP30 to showcase the vital role of indigenous peoples and nature-based solutions in the fight against climate change.
The upcoming conference also marks critical anniversaries ten years since the Paris Agreement and twenty years after the Kyoto Protocol at a time when global temperatures continue to rise.
AHOA and its partners stressed that COP30 must not only recognize these milestones but also drive urgent action towards a just and equitable transition to low-carbon development, with attention to biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem restoration.
Unity and Inclusiveness
Dr. Adirieje urged CSOs across the globe to unite under a common platform ahead of COP30 and support the planning processes that ensure inclusive representation.
He called for deliberate efforts to include youth, women, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples in national and organizational delegations to the conference.
“We reaffirm our support and loyalty to the collective efforts of the COP30 Presidency, the UNFCCC, the Government and people of Brazil, and all stakeholders,” he said. “Together, we will achieve more.”
A Call to Action
As preparations for COP30 intensify, AHOA’s declaration stands as a clarion call for inclusive climate diplomacy, community participation, and a shared vision for a sustainable planet.
DA News Online will continue to provide in-depth coverage and analysis in the lead-up to COP30, tracking Nigeria’s role and Africa’s collective advocacy on the global stage.
Editor’s Note:
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a global civil society network focused on health, environment, and development, working with stakeholders across sectors to shape inclusive, evidence-driven climate action.