UNDP Engages Guyana and Regional Leaders at COP30 to Advance Climate Action

November 11, 2025

Large white COP30 letters sculpture in front of a conference venue. — COP30 Mural

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has joined global and regional leaders in Belem, Brazil to actively participate at COP30 to accelerate climate action and sustainable development.

During COP30, UNDP is participating in bilateral meetings with heads of state and government officials from across the region, including His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. These discussions will explore how UNDP can best support national climate agendas, mobilise resources, and contribute to Guyana’s leadership in climate resilience and sustainable development.

Four people in a bright room; two men shake hands while a woman in a floral skirt watches. — ASG & UNDP Regional Director for LAC, Michelle Muchett meeting President of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Presidential Advisor on Climate and Biodiversity, Shyam Nokta in the background

UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Michelle Muschett reinforced UNDP’s support of Guyana’s climate and developmental agenda during the COP30 side event, ‘Guyana’s Pathway to Climate Resilience: Scaling Low Carbon Leadership and Conserving Biodiversity’, on November 7, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, alongside her bilateral meeting with President Dr. Ali. The event promoted Guyana’s integrated leadership in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, showcased the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030) as a replicable model and advanced the Global Biodiversity Alliance as a multilateral platform for scaling ecosystem restoration and biodiversity finance.

Photo: Group of people seated in a circle in a plant-filled room listening to a speaker. — Guyana's Pathway to Climate Resilience dialogue on the sidelines of COP30

“As we look ahead to COP30, momentum must translate into measurable action. Biodiversity is not a stand-alone goal; it is a key element, with people at its core, at the heart of sustainable development and climate resilience. When nature thrives, people thrive,” said Michelle Muschett, UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Protecting and restoring ecosystems strengthens livelihoods, food and water security, and inclusive growth. UNDP stands with partners like Guyana in advancing nature-positive economies, aligning climate, biodiversity, and development as one integrated agenda. The road from Belém to COP30 is our opportunity to turn ambition into lasting impact for people and the planet,” she added.

UNDP’s engagement at COP30 underscored its commitment to supporting Guyana’s climate ambitions and fostering partnerships for a resilient future, while UNDP’s ongoing work in Guyana demonstrates its commitment to empowering communities, advancing the LCDS 2030, and promoting innovative projects that benefit people and planet.

As COP30 unfolds, UNDP looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the Government of Guyana, civil society, and development partners to deliver impactful results for all Guyanese.