IEEE at COP30
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), held in Belém, Brazil in November 2025 marked a pivotal moment for global climate action, bringing together world leaders, experts, and organizations to discuss solutions to the climate crisis. As the President of the IEEE Centro-Norte Brazil Section, I had the honor of representing IEEE throughout this significant event. Over the course of several days, I participated in a variety of activities that focused on clean technology, sustainability, and the integration of indigenous knowledge into global climate discussions.
This report highlights my experiences, from technical panels to cultural engagements, as we worked to connect global innovation with local action for a sustainable future. The COP30 was a unique opportunity for global engagement on climate change, with leaders, experts, and youth activists from around the world. I was one of the invited to represent IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) during this highly relevant event, participating in a series of activities that connected clean technologies and innovation.
Below is a detailed report of my activities throughout the days when I represented IEEE Brazil and IEEE Young Professionals at COP30.
https://sustainable-climate.ieee.org/wp-content/uploads/COP30-Filipe-Torres-Report.pdf
IEEE COP 30 Page:
https://sustainable-climate.ieee.org/ieee-cop30/
Connecting Global Sustainability and Local Innovation
Hosting COP in Brazil represents more than a global climate dialogue — it is an opportunity to connect sustainability with innovation from a region that holds both immense biodiversity and creative technological potential. As President of the IEEE Centro-Norte Brazil Section, I see this as a defining moment for engineers, researchers, and technology professionals to lead with purpose.
This context also highlights the vital role of Brazil’s Indigenous communities, who have long been guardians of ecological balance and sustainable coexistence with nature. Their territories — rich in natural resources and cultural diversity — are essential for advancing the clean energy transition. Empowering these communities through access to solar energy, widely available in many regions, and micro-hydroelectric systems in riverine areas, can transform local development while respecting environmental and cultural integrity. Technology, when applied ethically and inclusively, becomes a bridge between ancestral wisdom and modern sustainability.
Technology is a critical enabler of sustainable development, but it must be inclusive and context-aware. Holding COP in Brazil allows us to showcase how local expertise, renewable energy solutions, and digital transformation can drive a just transition. It gives visibility to emerging technology ecosystems in Latin America and strengthens collaboration between academia, industry, and communities.
For technology practitioners, this is our time to contribute actionable solutions — using data, innovation, and ethics to create resilient systems that benefit both people and the planet. Brazil’s role in this global event reminds us that sustainable technology must be rooted in diversity, equity, and shared knowledge.
Global IEEE Collaboration at COP 30
It will also be incredible to welcome two representatives from IEEE Global here in Brazil — Prof. Saifur Rahman, IEEE Life Fellow and 2023 IEEE President & CEO, who currently serves as Chair of the IEEE Climate Change Committee, and Prof. Claudio Cañizares, IEEE Fellow and University Professor and Executive Director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy, and current Vice-Chair of the IEEE Climate Change Committee.
Together, we will engage in multiple activities during the COP30: giving lectures, participating in round tables, visiting UFPA (University Federal of Para), hosting an IEEE booth in the Blue Zone, and joining a mentorship program for young participants, supporting the IEEE Young Professionals activities.
This collaboration supported by IEEE, UNFCCC, UnB (University of Brasilia) and UFPA (University Federal of Para), IYNC (International Youth Nuclear Congress) and others institutions will make the experience truly remarkable. We are fully committed to providing all the support needed to ensure their participation is meaningful and that they feel warmly welcomed here in Brazil.
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Filipe Tôrres
IEEE COP 30
About Filipe Tôrres
Filipe Tôrres is an PhD student in electrical engineer at UnB. ex-professor at IFB (Institute Federal of Brasília) and President of the IEEE Centro-Norte Brazil Section. He is parter at Mansão Digital and I was owner of Firz Tecnologia, also with experience at ANATEL (Brazil) and Telstra Corp (Australia). He leads initiatives focused on sustainability, innovation, and the role of technology in addressing climate change challenges. At COP 30, he represents IEEE Brazil in its mission to connect global knowledge with local action, empowering engineers and researchers to build a sustainable future.
Agenda
Day 1 – November, 09th - Arrival and Immersive Engagement with the Brazilian Amazon.
The journey began on November 9th. On that day, Professor Saifur and I arrived at our apartment received by our host, completed our accreditation for COP30, and took a visit to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest on Combu Island.
Day 2 – November, 10th - Advancing a Green Digital Future: IEEE's Role at the ITU High-Level
Roundtable and Networking with Brazil’s Ministry of Communications and ANATEL.
Day 3 – November, 11th - Driving Decarbonization and Clean Energy: IEEE's Key Role at COP30 Panels Events.
First, we organized an event at the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) UN Pavilion, focusing on the theme: Priorities for Decarbonization in Industrialized and Emerging Economies.
Day 4 – November, 12th - Strengthening Partnerships and Promoting IEEE at UFPA.
Professor Saifur and I visited UFPA, where we toured the LASSE Engineering Lab and had a highly productive meeting with faculty and students. The visit was an excellent opportunity to learn about the university’s projects and to motivate and revitalize IEEE UFPA’s activities. The visit was led by me and Professor Aldebaro.
Day 5 – November, 13th - Empowering the Next Generation: IEEE's Mentoring Program at the Blue Zone in Collaboration with IYNC.
I arranged for Professors Saifur and Claudio to take part in a mentoring program at the Blue Zone, in collaboration with IYNC.
Day 6 – November, 15th - Building Capacity for Energy Transition and Engaging with Indigenous Communities at COP30 - Networking with Brazil’s Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Indigenous Peoples.
I assisted Professor Saifur during the lecture on Capacity Building for the Energy Transition, organized by the Global Energy Interconnection Development Cooperation Organization from China.
I also visited the COP30 Indigenous Village with Eliaquim Terena, where we were joined by Sonia Guajajara, the Minister of Indigenous Peoples, and Margareth Menezes, the Minister of Culture. They participated in several activities with indigenous communities and engaged in meaningful interactions with the people.
Day 7 – November, 16th - Exploring Indigenous Culture and Building Partnerships at COP30.
On this day, I organized and led Professors Saifur and Claudio on a tour of the COP30 Indigenous Village, where I introduced them to several important Brazilian indigenous leaders, including Eliaquim Terena and his father. We explained indigenous culture, history, customs, and the significance of COP30 for Brazilians. We also discussed potential partnerships and collaborations. It was a day filled with valuable learning and growth. The first four photos represent this visit.
In the evening, Eliaquim Terena and I attended a cocktail event with Sonia Guajajara, the Minister of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil. The event featured vibrant music, art, and a celebration of indigenous culture. The last three photos capture moments from this event.
Day 8 – November, 17th - Sharing Clean-Tech Solutions and Celebrating Culture at COP30.
I and more three other experts, gave a lecture titled Clean-Tech Solutions for a Sustainable Climate. The lecture took place at the IYNC pavilion. Global experts gathered at COP30 in Belém to share clean-tech solutions for a sustainable climate. The four experts were: Filipe Torres, Saifur Rahman, Claudio Cañizares, and Jean-Manuel Canet (Vice-Chair of ITU-T WP3/5 Climate Biodiversity).
In the evening, I represented IEEE alongside Eliaquim Terena at a cultural event called Beats For The Planet. The event was organized by We Make Tomorrow, Greenpeace, Ayika, and others. It took place on the Greenpeace ship at the dock along the Guamá River within the UFPA campus.
Day 9 – November, 17th - Engineering for Climate Resilience and Cultural Networking at COP30.
I assisted and accompanied Professor Saifur during the lecture Engineering for Climate Resilience: Water Planning, Energy Transition, and Biodiversity Gain. The lecture took place at the Blue Zone of COP30 and also featured Professor Davide Stronati, Chair of the Working Group on Climate Change (WFEO).
In the evening, I represented IEEE at a networking dinner and Brazilian folk dance event at Casa Apoena, hosted by Alice Silva (Vice-Chair of IYNC) and after that I got my fight back home.