With registrations opening on May 29, the volunteer training program for COP30 is another legacy for Belém

Call for volunteer selection, open until June 5, offers the chance to participate in the event itself, as it provides 120 hours of certified training. The initiative aims to leave a professional, environmental, and civic legacy for nearly 4.000 residents of the capital of Pará

By Franciéli Barcellos de Moraes / COP30

Belém residents will have the opportunity to contribute actively during the organization of one of the world’s most important forums for addressing climate change. Applications for the COP30 Volunteer Program are open until June 5. Applicants selected for the program will receive training on key topics such as climate change, tourism, and intercultural communication.

The training includes six modules totaling 120 hours of certified coursework designed to reach approximately four thousand participants. This educational experience will enhance resumes, providing a legacy that extends beyond COP30 — one rooted in citizenship, education, and professional development aligned with socio-environmental principles.

The federal level is coordinated the initiative — under the Office of the Chief of Staff (Casa Civil) of the Brazilian Presidency — by the Special Secretariat for COP30 (SECOP). At the state level, the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Higher, Professional and Technological Education (Secretaria de Ciência, Tecnologia, Educação Superior, Profissional e Tecnológica/SECTET) leads the initiative. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) supports the initiative itself with instructional materials, oversight, and general guidance on implementation.

"We are investing in training, engagement, and transformative experiences that extend well beyond the event itself. Every participant will develop new skills and connections and gain a broader perspective on their role in building a more sustainable world. This citizen mobilization is what will make COP truly Amazonian and deeply rooted in the reality and leadership of our people"

According to Pará’s Vice Governor, Hana Ghassan, the volunteer program is an essential support pillar for COP30 and a living legacy for Belém. "We are investing in training, engagement, and transformative experiences that extend well beyond the event itself. Every participant will develop new skills and connections and gain a broader perspective on their role in building a more sustainable world. This citizen mobilization is what will make COP truly Amazonian and deeply rooted in the reality and leadership of our people,” she stressed.

Flávia Castelhano, the project director of SECOP, highlights that the volunteer program will encourage the development of young community leaders and help participants hone their personal and professional skills. "Socially, the program can strengthen community engagement, particularly among youth, and foster a more participatory, aware, and resilient society," she said.

Diversity and inclusion

The public call reserves 5% of spots for people with disabilities (PwD) and 20% for Indigenous and Quilombola peoples. This aligns with Brasil’s COP30 presidency's broader “Mutirão” (collective effort) initiative, which promotes collective, autonomous contributions toward a sustainable future. Volunteers will help organize the conference and actively engage in this Global Mutirão.

As volunteers, Belém residents will join a growing network of individuals across the region who promote agroecology for sustainable forest development, bring clean energy to remote areas, and teach urban sustainability in underserved neighborhoods. COP30 volunteering is the most recent link in this chain.

More information

The partnership between the governments of Pará and Brasil invites applications in three different operational areas: support for food services; accessibility and sustainability; assistance to delegates; management of protocols and/or the media, among others. There are vacancies for high school, college, and university graduates. Those interested need to be proficient in English (advanced intermediate - B2; advanced - C1; and full proficiency - C2).

Applications can be submitted here, on the website, where the full list of positions and requirements is available.

Selected volunteers for November will receive several benefits to ensure their well-being, safety, and recognition during the event. These include free meals and transportation, full uniforms and ID accessories, and access to exclusive support spaces providing physical and emotional assistance throughout the Conference.

English Version: Trad. Bárbara Menezes
Proofreading by Enrique Villamil