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UN officials has urged its personnel to reduce their participation at the upcoming climate conference in the South American nation this fall, citing exorbitant accommodation rates in the host city of Belem.

Housing Crisis Threatens Inclusivity

National delegations are reportedly scrambling to secure affordable rooms, while soaring rates have led to demands from several countries to move the conference—a suggestion that Brazilian representatives have firmly turned down.

“Given the capacity constraints in the host city, I would wish to kindly request that chiefs of the United Nations system reconsider the scale of their teams,” said the executive secretary in an published memorandum.

Assistance to Lower-income States

The host country’s Cop30 presidency emphasized its pledge to arrange 15 single rooms at discounted costs for representatives from developing nations.

However, soaring rates and a lack of affordable lodgings have fueled concerns that many developing nations may struggle to join the summit.

Press and Civil Society Groups Also Impacted

Media organizations and non-governmental organizations have similarly warned that they may have to reduce or cancel their reporting of Cop30 due to steep housing prices.

Organizers have been alerted that inability to resolve the housing problem could result in what some are describing as “the most restrictive Cop ever.”

Current Talks and Next Steps

At a recent discussion, the United Nations requested that Brazil underwrite hotel rates to ensure lodgings at around $$100 per night for representatives from the least developed countries and between $400 and $$500 for remaining attendees.

But, the executive secretary emphasized that the government is already absorbing significant financial burdens related to staging the summit and is unable to provide more subsidies.

Representatives from involved countries and the UN are set to reconvene later this week to advance discussions on the lodging situation.