Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa used his COP30 appearance in Brazil to pledge Syria’s commitment to the UNFCCC and to solicit foreign investment in renewable energy as part of post‑war reconstruction. He highlighted the country’s struggles after a 14‑year civil war and an unprecedented drought this year. The UN Security Council voted to lift sanctions on al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, and an assets freeze and arms embargo will be rescinded. Officials say Syria may also join the U.S.-led anti‑ISIL coalition, a move described by a U.S. envoy as "a big step."
Al-Sharaa Pledges Climate Action at COP30 as Syria Re‑engages with the World
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa used his COP30 appearance in Brazil to pledge Syria’s commitment to the UNFCCC and to solicit foreign investment in renewable energy as part of post‑war reconstruction. He highlighted the country’s struggles after a 14‑year civil war and an unprecedented drought this year. The UN Security Council voted to lift sanctions on al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, and an assets freeze and arms embargo will be rescinded. Officials say Syria may also join the U.S.-led anti‑ISIL coalition, a move described by a U.S. envoy as "a big step."
13:35, 07.11.2025Politics
Al-Sharaa Pledges Climate Action at COP30 as Syria Re‑engages with the World
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attended the United Nations COP30 summit in Brazil and pledged his country’s commitment to international efforts to limit climate change. Speaking to delegates, he affirmed Syria’s intent to adhere to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and invited foreign investment in renewable energy as part of an "ambitious" reconstruction and recovery plan.
Al-Sharaa acknowledged the heavy toll of a 14‑year civil war and stressed the urgent need to address environmental threats, saying Syria suffered this year from "a drought unlike any it has seen in over six decades." He called for strengthened cooperation between nations "from the Amazon to the Barada and Euphrates rivers," urging robust inter-state collaboration and greater support for developing countries.
"Climate change is a common challenge that requires shared responsibility and renewed investment in clean energy," al-Sharaa told delegates.
His visit to Brazil preceded planned talks in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump. The White House did not send senior officials to COP30 after President Trump referred to climate change as the world's "greatest con job" at the UN General Assembly earlier this year.
On Thursday, the UN Security Council voted to remove sanctions that had been imposed on al-Sharaa and his Interior Minister, Anas Khattab — a move officials described as a sign of Syria's reintegration into international diplomacy. The resolution, backed by the United States, also rescinds an assets freeze and an arms embargo that had applied to the country.
Al-Sharaa rose to power after leading Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces in an offensive that began on November 27, 2024; HTS reached Damascus in 12 days and brought an end to the al-Assad family’s 53‑year rule, according to official accounts cited by delegates. U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack said Syria is expected to join the U.S.-led anti‑ISIL coalition, calling the development "a big step" and "remarkable."
Observers noted that Syria’s public commitment to climate goals and the lifting of sanctions could open opportunities for international aid and private investment in renewable energy, but analysts caution that long-term reconstruction and environmental resilience will depend on stable governance, transparent reconstruction plans, and continued international cooperation.