Why COP30 in Brazil Is a Once-in-a-Decade Opportunity for Brands Committed to Sustainability

Belém, Brazil. November 2025. The global spotlight will fall on the Amazon Rainforest as COP30 becomes the epicenter of international climate negotiations. For brands serious about sustainability, this isn’t just another summit — it’s a once-in-a-decade opportunity to lead with purpose, shape policy conversations, and drive meaningful visibility through strategic PR and ESG storytelling.

At our latest UPN virtual meetup, Danilo Valeta — founder of IC Brazil, our local partner — shared key insights on how brands can prepare to make the most of COP30. His message was clear: the time to act is now.

Why COP30 Is Different

Unlike previous climate summits, COP30 will be held in Belém, at the gateway to the Amazon — a highly symbolic setting often referred to as the “lungs of the planet.” Following slow progress at COP28 and COP29, expectations are high for tangible outcomes and renewed urgency.

This is a pivotal moment in global sustainability communications. Here’s why:


  • Intensifying climate disasters: heatwaves, fires, floods, and biodiversity loss are accelerating

  • Rising climate leadership: Latin America, the EU, and Asia are stepping up

  • High global media visibility: coverage of COP30 will dominate both legacy and digital platforms

  • Logistical complexity: Belém’s limited infrastructure demands early strategic planning

What This Means for Brand Strategy

For brands, COP30 is a rare platform to showcase climate leadership — but only for those who do it right. Greenwashing will be under scrutiny. This moment calls for authentic sustainability communications, grounded in action and accountability.

Here’s how your brand can stand out:

  • Turn commitments into activation: Demonstrate your impact on the ground, not just in reports

  • Engage public affairs stakeholders: Build connections with NGOs, policymakers, and investors

  • Craft a compelling ESG story: Share progress with honesty, clarity, and measurable goals

  • Build strategic media relations: Use the climate summit to amplify your voice credibly

How to Prepare for COP30: Danilo Valeta’s Roadmap

According to Danilo, late planning = lost opportunity. His expert tips include:

  • Secure logistics early: Flights, accommodation, and venues in Belém will be limited

  • Update your climate strategy: Refine KPIs, update reporting frameworks, align with global standards

  • Define success metrics: From policy impact to brand exposure, be clear on what you aim to achieve

  • Develop your narrative: Link your brand’s purpose to people, planet, and policy with compelling storytelling

  • Track and report: Ensure every action has measurable outcomes

How IC Brazil Helps Brands Succeed at COP30

With strong local insight and experience in ESG and public affairs strategy, IC Brazil — together with their ESG division Walk4Good — supports brands through:

  • Strategic sustainability communication

  • Public affairs consulting and stakeholder mapping

  • Media engagement and on-site press relations

  • Event concepting and cultural activations

  • Local execution in Belém and across Brazil

Final Thought: Don’t Miss the Climate MomenT

COP30 is not just a conference — it’s a climate milestone. For brands committed to driving positive change, this is your opportunity to lead. Those who invest in thoughtful strategy, authentic ESG storytelling, and public affairs engagement will be remembered as leaders.

Discover how we turned sustainability into a visual experience — read our ESG case study on the Nespresso Recycling Art Installation in Bulgaria here.

Ready to build your COP30 strategy?

Let’s talk about how United Partners and the UPN network can support your COP30 plans.

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