Syrian President Attends COP30 in Brazil

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharah, previously known as “Abu Mohammed al-Jolani,” arrived in Belem, Brazil, on Thursday for the United Nations climate change conference, COP30.

The COP, or the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, is an annual event that gathers thousands to discuss fossil fuel elimination, the “green” transition, and global climate initiatives like the Paris Agreement. A key focus is the push from environmentalists urging wealthy nations to invest substantial amounts in energy transitions, with many activists calling for money to be diverted to poorer countries most affected by climate change.

This year’s summit emphasizes the importance of rainforests and the protection of critical biomes essential for planetary health, specifically chosen for its locale within the Amazon rainforest.

Ahmed al-Sharah heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist group that split from al-Qaeda during the ongoing Syrian civil war. He took power in December 2024, following actions that ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad, who subsequently fled to Moscow.

In his role as president, Sharah has focused on enforcing an Islamist constitution and attracting foreign investments to rebuild Syria’s war-torn areas. He has regularly participated in international discussions and kept lines of communication open with potential backers, like the United States and Saudi Arabia.

As per the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Sharah’s visit to Brazil is brief, lasting only until Friday, but COP30 will continue until November 21.

SANA reported that the trip will include bilateral meetings with other delegations and leaders during the conference, marking the first time a Syrian president attends this climate summit since it began in 1995.

The Syrian President’s Office aims to enhance cooperation between developing and developed nations regarding sustainability and environmental restoration. Sharah has previously discussed this through state media before his journey to Brazil.

He will hold discussions with other leaders on various topics, including environmental protection and renewable energy. His presence, according to SANA, indicates Syria’s commitment to global climate action and the restoration of natural resources damaged by years of conflict.

Sharah has been active on the international stage, seeking investments in Syria and advocating for lifting sanctions linked to Assad’s human rights violations. Just last month, he attended the 2025 Saudi Future Investment Initiative Conference in Riyadh, where he announced substantial funding achievements.

He remarked, “We’ve revamped Syria’s investment law to rank among the best globally, already attracting $28 billion in the first six months. I urge you to consider investing in Syria.”

This isn’t the first time a jihadist leader has made an appearance at COP30; last year, a delegation from the Taliban also participated, expressing interest in addressing climate change issues. They held an event in Kabul titled “Afghanistan on the Road to COP30” to prepare for the current summit.

The Taliban’s Bakhtar news agency highlighted the significance of COP30 for Afghanistan, emphasizing the platform it provides for local experts and youth to voice concerns about their environment.

This year, the United States will not be sending representatives to the climate summit. President Donald Trump previously withdrew from the Paris climate agreement and declined an invitation from Brazil’s socialist president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. As a result, the U.S. won’t allocate funds intended for UN environmental commitments.

“The United States is not sending a high-level representative to COP30,” an unnamed White House official informed Agence France-Presse (AFP). The president is engaging in direct discussions with global leaders about energy issues through various trade agreements.

In response to the U.S. withdrawal, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom plans to attend COP30 in Brazil, stating that California is focused on building partnerships aimed at job creation and reducing pollution.

“As the president turns away from environmental issues, California is leading the way in creating a clean energy future,” Newsom proclaimed, highlighting the economic potential tied to climate action.