Negotiations and activities at the United Nations climate change conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, have resumed less than 12 hours after a fire outbreak forced authorities to shut down the conference centre.
Graphic Online’s Timothy Ngnenbe reports that the fire, which broke out around 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 20, disrupted the penultimate day of the global event, leaving the future of the final day in doubt.
A joint statement from Brazilian authorities and the UNFCCC Secretariat confirmed that the Blue Zone was restored and reopened at 8:40 pm on Thursday following safety inspections by the local Fire Department. “Brazilian authorities have restored operating conditions at the conference venue, obtained the Fire Department’s operating permit, and returned the area to the UNFCCC,” the statement said. The affected area will remain isolated until the conclusion of the conference, and health services continue to monitor delegates who required medical attention.
The UNFCCC assured that plenary sessions are open to delegates, observers, and the media, and will also be streamed online. “We appreciate the cooperation, patience, and understanding of all participants. We still have substantial work ahead, and we trust that delegates will return to the negotiations in a spirit of solidarity and determination to ensure a successful outcome for this COP,” the statement added.
The fire, which reportedly started at the China Pavilion in the Blue Zone, spread to other pavilions, including Africa’s pavilion, prompting a stampede as thousands of delegates evacuated through the Green Zone. The incident raised concerns about whether negotiations could conclude on schedule, with some observers anticipating potential extensions to finalize climate action agreements.
With the reopening of the Blue Zone, conference organisers hope that delegates will return to discussions and complete the negotiations critical for advancing global climate commitments.
