Brazil is offering free cabins on a cruise ship for delegations from low-income countries to attend COP30 in Belem. This move addresses the surge in accommodation costs that has hindered many nations' participation. The UN climate summit is set for November 10–21, 2025.
Dozens of countries have yet to secure accommodation for their delegations ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil next week. Reports indicate around 50 delegations are expected to gather in Belem, where nearly all world governments will negotiate climate plans and actions from November 10–21, 2025. However, logistical issues, such as accommodation rates surging to several hundred US dollars, pose major obstacles, given Belem typically has only 18,000 hotel beds.
As of October 31, 2025, 149 countries have confirmed accommodation availability, while 37 are still negotiating. The Brazilian government has pledged to ensure the voices of the poorest and most vulnerable nations to climate change are heard at COP30. The cost spike prompted the UN to hold an emergency meeting in response to warnings from African nations and small island states, despite existing subsidies for hotel costs by the UN and Brazil.
On Sunday (November 2, 2025), Reuters reported that Brazil is offering three free cabins on a cruise ship docked in Belem for delegations from low-income countries. This offer was revealed in a letter from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), stating the cabins are funded by “private donors” and the Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank, coordinated with the Brazilian government in partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
“These cabins will be offered free of charge to your delegation,” read the email.
The letter added that the cabins are in addition to existing bookings. Last week, COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago said free cabins would go to African nations, small island states, and least developed countries, totaling around 96 nations per Reuters calculations.
“With this, we will get significant support so that all developing countries can attend COP,” Correa do Lago said.
Meanwhile, some wealthier European countries have indicated they might skip this year's global climate talks due to accommodation prices exceeding 500 US dollars per person per night.