Minister Richmond arrives in Brazil for COP30

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, will arrive in Brazil today (Tuesday) to take part in the COP30 discussions.

Minister Richmond will take part in a number of events focused on deforestation, energy efficiency, and scaling-up climate finance to support the least developed countries and small island developing states. He will also meet with Ireland’s partners including the World Bank and the Amazon Fund, as well as engaging in discussions with Ministerial counterparts from a variety of countries. He will also announce new financial contributions from Ireland to support resilience in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing State.

Minister Richmond said: “COP30 is an opportunity for the world to come together to address a common threat we all face. The science is clear and paints a worrying picture in terms of our failure to live within the targets set by the Paris Agreement. Ten years on from Paris, it is clear we need more urgency and more action.

“Climate change is impacting Ireland through floods, storms and changing weather patterns. That impact is even more stark in countries where people are less able to respond. Extreme weather is denying people access to food, reducing people’s ability to earn money, and leading to huge levels of displacement.

“Ireland is committed to supporting the people in the world most affected by climate change. Our climate finance has more than doubled since 2020. We are now investing at least €225 million annually in supporting those most at risk.

“COP30 must be focused on action and implementation. The world simply must get back on track when it comes to our climate targets.”

Minister Richmond will attend COP30 on Tuesday and Wednesday before departing for a short visit to Colombia, where he will meet with government representatives, Ireland’s UN and cooperation partners, see the impact of Irish Aid’s work in support of national peace building efforts, and meet members of the Irish diaspora.

Minister Richmond said: “Ireland has been a long-standing partner of Colombia and I believe there is significant scope to increase our political, trade and cultural links. Through Irish Aid, we continue to support Colombia’s efforts to build peace. Our ongoing lessons-sharing on conflict and reconciliation in Ireland is well recognised in Colombia. I look forward to meeting with the communities we have supported on their own journey from conflict to peace.”

ENDS

Press Office

11 November 2025