Regionalism will participate in climate finance at COP30

Regionalism played a prominent role at COP30 in Belém, where subnational governments from around the world advocated for the full integration of regions into the global climate architecture. Regions4, which represents ORU Fogar on environmental issues, particularly at these summits, coordinated the participation of a delegation of dozens of regional governments committed to promoting more ambitious, effective, and locally focused climate action.

Throughout the summit, the regions brought a coherent message to multiple discussion spaces: climate action is essential.fromIt will only be effective if it is structured through multi-level governance, if direct funding is guaranteed for subnational governments, and if the ecological transition incorporates genuine criteria of climate justice. These positions were reflected in the “Position Paper for COP30” presented by Regions4, which raises the need to strengthen territorial resilience, protect ecosystems, and ensure that the transformation towards sustainable models leaves no territory behind.

The regional delegation denounced the fact that, despite being responsible for implementing a large part of adaptation policies, access to international climate finance mechanisms remains extremely limited. Therefore, the regions called for more streamlined procedures, dedicated funds, and cooperation frameworks that recognize their role as direct implementers of climate policies on the ground. The need for stable tools to plan long-term investments was one of the most recurring themes in the regional interventions.

Another area of concern was political recognition. The regions insisted that their strategic role in areas such as the energy transition, water management, sustainable mobility, and biodiversity protection must be reflected in official UN processes. They demanded a shift from mere observer participation to full inclusion in decision-making spaces, where their contributions can accelerate and strengthen national climate measures.

The “just resilience” approach championed by Regions4 also featured prominently in the discussions. The regions argued that climate resilience will only be robust if it addresses structural inequalities, protects the most vulnerable communities, and strengthens local economic systems based on sustainability criteria. This approach, which combines social justice and adaptation, was shared in several Blue Zone panels and in parallel events that brought together regional authorities, international organizations, and experts.

COP30 also served as a platform to highlight concrete experiences driven by local communities. Initiatives were presented on nature-based solutions, coastal adaptation strategies, innovative water planning, regional climate neutrality, and interregional partnerships to accelerate climate action. Several of these sessions emphasized the success of programs such as RegionsAdapt, an international platform that has established itself as a benchmark for interregional cooperation on adaptation.

The broad and active presence of the regions in Belém confirmed that subnational climate leadership continues to grow. COP30 made it clear that regions are not only implementing climate policies, but are also assuming an increasingly decisive role in shaping the global agenda. Integrating a territorial perspective is essential to moving towards a truly just, effective, and sustainable transition.