Brazil Temporarily Moves Its Capital to Belém for COP30

Overview

• President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sanctioned the law on November 4, setting the change in effect for November 11–21, 2025 to coincide with COP30.
• During the interval, the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary may install themselves in Belém, and all official acts will be registered from the Pará capital.
• The Presidency characterizes the transfer as symbolic and political to elevate the Amazon's role on the global environmental agenda.
• Government communications say the arrangement will facilitate engagement with foreign delegations, support local development and reinforce Brazil's leadership in climate negotiations.
• A Leaders' Summit is scheduled in Belém on the two days preceding COP30, and officials note a precedent from 1992 when the capital was temporarily moved to Rio de Janeiro for Rio-92.