Below is a transcript of remarks from UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell during a press conference with COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago on Monday 10 November 2025 during the opening day of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

Good afternoon, everyone. And welcome to COP30.

Every year I'm asked how I feel about the COP. And the answer is that I am determined.

Andre and I, and all our teams, are determined to have a COP that takes another major step forward. And I’m encouraged that after a long night and the hard work of all of those involved, especially the Presidency, we have an agenda. And today I spoke about solutions and the need for speed so this is a very good start.

The good news is, we are not starting from nothing. The Paris Agreement is delivering real progress.

We are now bending the curve of planet heating emissions downwards – for the very first time.