All About Belem: Host City of Forest COP 2025

Belem, a vibrant city of 1.4 million in northern Brazil, is taking center stage as it hosts the “Forest COP” climate conference from November 10–21, 2025, welcoming an estimated 50,000 delegates from around the world.

Named after Bethlehem, the city has been declared the symbolic capital of Brazil for the duration of the event.

Known for its iconic Acai fruit, harvested from the surrounding Amazon rainforest, Belem combines natural richness with deep cultural and religious traditions, including the UNESCO-recognized Cirio de Nazare festival, which drew 2.6 million attendees in 2025.

The city also faces stark social realities, with 57.1% of its residents living in favelas, the highest rate among Brazilian metropolises.

Yet Belem thrives culturally as the birthplace of Afro-Indigenous Carimbo music, recognized by UNESCO, and as home to celebrated singer Fafá de Belem.

The city’s mix of biodiversity, heritage, and social complexity makes it a unique stage for global climate diplomacy.