Carl 16 Gustaf says he hopes the conference in Belém will result in global unity against global warming
King Carl 16 Gustaf, of Sweden, said at the COP30 Summit, in Belém, on Thursday (6.Nov.2025), he hopes that the conference will result in a global union against global warming.
The event was held on Thursday and Friday (6-7.nov). COP30 (2025 United Nations Climate Conference of the Parties) will start on Monday (Nov 10) and run until November 21st.
“May this meeting in Belém be a turning point, a moment in which the world came together, not only to discuss, but also to achieve”he declared.
Queen Silvia, born in Germany, lived in São Paulo during her childhood and is the daughter of a Brazilian mother. He accompanied the king at the COP30 Summit.
Read the king’s full speech at the COP30 Summit:
“I’ve had the privilege of visiting Belém before – a vibrant gateway to the Amazon. The river and forest bring the city to life, shaping its people, economy, culture and culinary traditions.
“The president’s commitment to protecting the Amazon is appreciated and urgently needed at a time when the impact of climate change is increasingly felt around the world.
“In 1972, I attended the 1st United Nations Conference on the Environment, held in Stockholm. I was a young crown prince at the time, attending the ceremony with my grandfather, King Gustav Adolfo. It was a historic event, as it put global environmental issues on the political agenda and marked the beginning of international environmental cooperation.
“For me, that conference marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to protecting nature and the belief that science will fuel innovation and show the way forward. It also convinced me that cooperation across borders, disciplines and sectors will be essential to meeting the challenges that lie ahead.
“This spirit of collaboration is at the heart of Sweden’s climate transition. More than 500 companies, municipalities, regions and organizations are engaged in efforts that aim to make Sweden one of the world’s first nations free from fossil fuels and focused on social well-being.
“To turn ambition into concrete action, the Swedish Climate Policy Council supported the development of Panorama. It is a platform that offers an overview of how Sweden can achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 – hopefully just before President Lula and I turn 100! The model can be adopted globally, helping other countries achieve their climate goals.”
“These efforts go hand in hand with our international engagement. This year, Sweden is co-chair of the Green Climate Fund. Through this role, we help mobilize resources and turn climate commitments into real action.
“However, major challenges remain. Thirty-three years after the signing of the Climate Change Convention in Rio de Janeiro, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. Biodiversity is in decline and ecosystems are under enormous pressure.
“International collaboration is crucial. Pollution and climate change do not respect borders, as we know. Cooperation between nations is the only path to sustainable development and long-term prosperity. Climate action is the investment opportunity we must all embrace. Because the green transition drives economic growth, prepares the workforce for the future and keeps our industries competitive.
“We know there are ways to limit temperature rise while building resilient economies for the future. I’m counting on all of you now, heads of state and government, to implement policies that stimulate demand for sustainable innovations. Together, we must accelerate the implementation of these solutions to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C and build resilience for future generations.
“This message, I believe, is truly what we need to see happen here and now. Action today is important for growth tomorrow. Inaction means a huge loss of human and economic capital.
“I would like to conclude by quoting the 1972 Stockholm Declaration: ‘In our time, man’s ability to transform his surroundings, if used wisely, can bring to all people the benefits of development and the opportunity to improve the quality of life.’
“May this meeting in Belém be a turning point, a moment in which the world came together, not only to discuss, but also to achieve.”
