We Mean Business Coalition statement on business attendance at COP30
We Mean Business Coalition
As COP30 approaches, the opportunity for business to shape the climate agenda has never been greater. This year’s summit comes at a critical political moment, when climate progress is under strain and the signals sent by leading companies matter more than ever. Governments need to see that business is staying the course, committed to delivering the transition and clear on the policies required to achieve our shared goals.
When business is present at COP, it brings unique value: the innovation, capital and operational expertise needed to deliver the transition. Corporate presence drives momentum, keeps ambition high in negotiations and demonstrates to policymakers that the private sector is ready to act – and is already acting. COP is not just a stage for pledges — it is a platform for accountability, advocacy and coalition building.
The risks of climate change are already reshaping markets, supply chains and bottom lines. An inclusive transition — one that protects livelihoods across entire value chains — is a business necessity. Engagement at COP30 is one of the ways we make that case directly to global decision-makers, ensuring climate policy supports both ambition and fairness.
COP30 will focus on accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement, connecting climate action to people’s lives and reinforcing multilateral cooperation. For business, this is a chance to showcase results already achieved, present scalable solutions and identify areas where progress can be accelerated – from energy and industry transitions to nature protection and resilient infrastructure — ensuring the private sector is visible and driving real-world impact.
We recognize that uncertainty over travel, infrastructure and accommodation in Belém is creating hesitation for some. Yet, businesses in Brazil and across Latin America are energized to have COP on their doorstep. That enthusiasm is an invitation to global peers to join the momentum, seize the opportunity to connect with regional markets and be part of COP — whether in Belém or high-level events in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
We Mean Business Coalition has long championed and galvanized corporate presence and voice at COP. Businesses being on the ground at COP30 is about showing visible support for stronger policy, sharing tangible progress and highlighting to all stakeholders that business has skin in this game. With COP30 in the Amazon, the stakes and the symbolism are amplified.
This is the moment for business to stand in person alongside governments, civil society and communities — a clear statement that the private sector is here to lead, to partner and to turn ambition into reality on climate action.