Formal Opening of COP30 in Belém, Brazil – Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Paula Pouvalu Ma‘u Leads Tonga’s Delegation at the Thirtieth United Nation Climate Change Conference.

Belém, Brazil (10 November 2025) — Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma‘u is leading the Kingdom of Tonga’s delegation to the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place in Belém, Brazil, from 10–22 November 2025. Mr. Ma‘u, who has previously led Tonga at several COP meetings and formerly served as Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), is one of Tonga’s principal authorities on international climate negotiations.

Tonga Head of Delegation, Mr Paula Pouvalu Ma’u

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the central decision-making body of the UNFCCC, where 198 countries convene annually to assess progress and advance collective action against climate change. Each year, a different nation hosts the COP according to the rotation and agreement amongst the five United Nations Regional Group, shaping global priorities through its presidency. COP meetings serve as the world’s foremost platform for negotiating climate policy, producing outcomes that guide emission reductions, climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, global stocktake to name a few — particularly for vulnerable regions such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The formal opening of COP30 took place today, 10 November 2025, in the Plenary – Amazonas, marking the ceremonial start of the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties, alongside the openings of Kyoto Protocol Conference of the Parties (CMP20) and Paris Agreement Conference of the Parties (CMA7). Under the presidency of Brazil, delegates adopted the COP30 agenda, setting the tone for what has been described as the “COP of Truth”, a defining moment to assess progress and deliver on the commitments made under the Paris Agreement. UNFCCC Secretary Simon Sitell emphasized in his opening that COP30, held at the gateway to the Amazon, must be remembered as a “summit of delivery,” focused on implementation, accountability and resilience for the world’s largest climate-vulnerable nations. COP30 continues this vital legacy by focusing on strengthening cooperation, scaling up financing, and driving ambitious action toward a sustainable and resilient future.

Handover of the COP Presidency to COP30 President-Designate

A key highlight for Tonga is the launch of the Fund for Loss and Damage, which represent a significant milestone for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This new mechanism is expected to open opportunities for countries like Tonga to access dedicated financial support to address climate induced loss and damage and strengthen national resilient efforts.

Tonga’s participation underscores the Kingdom’s continued commitment to amplifying the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and advancing global climate diplomacy. Under Mr. Ma‘u’s leadership, the Tonga’s delegation will participate in High Level Event Dialogues, bilateral meetings, and follow negotiations on thematic areas and side events.