News
Peace Boat at COP30: Promoting Peace, Demilitarisation, and Youth Engagement for Climate Action in Belém
At the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, Peace Boat is participating to highlight the interconnections between peace, demilitarisation, and climate justice, while continuing to engage and amplify youth voices in the UNFCCC process.
As part of the Peace and Demilitarisation Working Group of the Women and Gender Constituency (WGC), Peace Boat is contributing to advocacy and public discussions on how militarism drives greenhouse gas emissions, diverts resources from climate finance, and undermines global cooperation.
Peace Boat is joined in Belém by youth alumni from its Youth for the SDGs and Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador programme, who are sharing their experiences and perspectives on ocean and climate action.
Peace Boat is co-organising several activities in the official UNFCCC programme including a side event on peace and demilitarisation as part of the UN Human Rights and Justice Programme, together with partners across civil society.
Monday 10 November
Title: Militarism, Climate Change and the Pacific: Building Resilience, Peace and Justice
Time: 16:00 - 16:50
Location: Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion
This side event will highlight Pacific leadership and testimonies on the links between militarism, emissions, climate finance, and resilience. The discussion will examine how militarism drives the climate crisis and undermines resilience, and why demilitarisation is essential for peace, security, and climate justice in the region. Community perspectives will show how demilitarisation is vital to achieving the 1.5°C target, strengthening resilience through culture and traditional knowledge, and safeguarding peace and security.
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Tuesday 11 November
Title: Rising Tides, Rising Voices: Building Youth Capacity and
Networks for Pacific Climate Action
Time: 13:00 - 13:50 am
Location: Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion
This side event will showcase Pacific youth leadership in addressing the climate crisis and protecting the ocean. Alumni of Peace Boat’s capacity-building programs including the Youth for the SDGs program will share experiences and initiatives from their communities. At COP30, Pacific youth will join peers from other organisations in a dialogue by youth and for youth, amplifying Pacific voices and strengthening intergenerational solidarity.
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Wednesday 12 November
Title: Press Conference: Disarming the Climate Crisis: Putting Militarism on the Agenda at COP30
Time: 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Location: Press Conference 2 Area D
Speakers
Ellie Kinney, Senior Climate Advocacy Officer, Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS)
Dr Barbara Magalhães Teixeira, Researcher, Stockholm International Research Institute (SIPRI)
Natalia Chavez, Coordinator of the Women, Peace and Security Programme of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) in Colombia.
Roaa Alobeid, Co-Founder, United Beyond Borders (Sudan)
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Thursday 13 November
Title: Disarming the Climate Crisis: The True Cost of Militarism
Time: 18:30 - 20:00 pm
Location: Side event Room 4
This side event will examine how militarism drives the climate crisis and undermines climate justice. Militaries are responsible for an estimated 5.5% of global emissions yet remain exempt from Paris Agreement reporting, while global military spending reached USD 2.7 trillion in 2024, diverting resources from urgent climate needs. Speakers from research, peace, and frontline communities will explore military emissions, spending, nuclear risks, and militarised climate responses, underscoring why demilitarisation is essential to achieving a just and sustainable future. Organised by WILPF, Peace Boat, IPPNW, and Peace Track Initiative. This event is part of the UN Human Rights and Justice Programme.
