Cuba lays the groundwork for robust participation in COP 30 with the support of civil society
Cuba lays the groundwork for robust participation in COP 30 with the support of civil society
The IRIS Climate Foundation, United for Climate, sponsored one of the central panels of the first Cuban PreCOP, highlighting the human dimension of the climate crisis.
Havana, Cuba – Under the slogan “Cuba on the Road to COP 30: Connecting Commitment and Action,” the Quinta de los Molinos hosted Cuba’s first preparatory meeting for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30), to be held from Monday, November 10 to Friday, November 21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil. The event brought together experts, institutions, and social actors with the aim of promoting an inclusive and transformative climate agenda.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), Armando Rodríguez Batista, emphasized that Cuba is strengthening its participation in the fight against climate change, supported by instruments such as the State Plan for Confronting Climate Change, "Tarea Vida" (Task Life), and updated environmental legislation. "The journey to Brazil inspires us to raise our ambitions and strengthen our unity. Let us arrive at the summit with robust positions that reflect the urgency and equity that our historical moment demands," he stated.
The IRIS Foundation: Putting a Human Face on the Climate Crisis
One of the highlights of the day was Block 4, dedicated to civil society, primarily sponsored by the IRIS Climate Foundation. Under the coordination of Reyna Rivero and Yaima Blanco of the Foundation, the panel "Climate Change: The Human Face of a Global Crisis" was held.
This dialogue focused on analyzing the social impacts of the phenomenon, with presentations addressing the gender dimension in international projects, climate-induced human mobility, and the use of mapping techniques for research. IRIS's participation underscored the importance of addressing the climate crisis not only from an environmental and economic perspective, but also from its profound repercussions on communities and individuals.
From Theory to Action: Solutions and Initiatives
The agenda continued with the panel “Just Transition: Sustainable Business Models,” which discussed the role of the Social and Solidarity Economy and green jobs. Subsequently, the panel “From Commitment to Action: Implementing Successful Projects” presented concrete initiatives such as the Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Resilience (NbC) project and the Atabey Community Environmental Project, demonstrating how climate strategies are being implemented on the ground.
The session concluded with closing remarks from Odalys Aldana Mazorra, President of the IRIS Foundation, who reaffirmed the organization's commitment to social mobilization and concrete climate action in the lead-up to COP 30.
During the event, representatives of the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) agreed on the importance of the region, and Cuba in particular, arriving at the Brazil summit with consensus proposals aimed at a more sustainable and resilient future, with special attention to climate justice and financing mechanisms.
