Prince William hosted global climate leaders and ministers during a special reception at St James’s Palace today were he issued a rallying call about tackling the global climate crisis
Prince William given gifts at London Climate Week engagement
Prince William has called for “greater ambition and deeper collaboration” to tackle the global climate crisis ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil in November.
The Prince of Wales, the founder of the Earthshot Prize which will be held in Rio this year, hosted global climate leaders and ministers including Ed Miliband, sector experts and representatives of Indigenous Communities at St James’s Palace this morning, for a roundtable discussion called “Nature’s Guardians: On the Road to COP30 & Beyond”.
Opening the session, William said it was “a moment for courage” in the climate crisis. He explained: “Momentum is growing. Governments, funders, and communities are stepping forward. New tools are emerging to channel support and recognise success on the ground. These are signs of progress, and we can do more.
“Today we come together to advance a new wave of ambition and explore how more can be done to restore the future of the planet and support Indigenous Peoples and their vital role protecting nature. I’ve invited you here because of our shared goals and the opportunity we have, together, to build a coalition that delivers.
“Looking ahead to COP30 in Belém and beyond, we must act with greater ambition and deeper collaboration. This is a moment for courage. We are not starting from zero. Let us move forward – united in purpose and committed to protecting nature as the foundation for a just and healthy future for all.”
The session also focused on how more can be done to restore the future of the planet and support Indigenous Peoples and their role protecting nature. The same theme is highlighted in the final episode of William’s ‘Guardians’ series, focusing on the Caru Indigenous Territory in the Brazilian Amazon, which will be released tomorrow.
Addressing delegates at the table, the prince said: “Across the world, Indigenous Peoples and local communities live in deep relationship with land and sea, guided by knowledge passed down through generations. Nature is not seen as a resource to be extracted, but as something sacred – to live with, respect, and sustain.
“Their stewardship and protection are among the most effective forces for conservation. If we are serious about achieving climate and biodiversity goals, Indigenous Peoples and local communities must be central to the effort as partners, leaders, and co-creators of solutions.”
Miliband, the secretary of state for energy security and net zero, followed William’s remarks, thanking him for his ‘leadership’ on the issue. He said: “Can I begin by thanking you, Your Royal Highness, for your leadership on these issues and for hosting us at this event,” adding: “We must put indigenous people at the heart of this crisis that we face.”
Others speakers included Andreas Bjelland, Norway’s minister of climate and environment André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, the COP30 President and Sonia Guajajara, the minister of Indigenous Peoples for Brazil.
William was attending his second day of London Climate Action Week, a series of events convening climate leaders, environmental innovators, Indigenous Peoples and community leaders to discuss solutions to climate challenges.
Ahead of the roundtable discussion, he met with several guests including Kleber Karipuna, the indigenous leader of the Karipuna people from Amapá, Brazil, who presented him with an ornate beaded necklace featuring a tiger, which William wore briefly.
Speaking through an interpreter, he thanked William for his support for the “all that you’re doing for our future and the planet” and told him it was “a huge pleasure to be here” and was ‘honoured’ to meet him. William said: “Thank you for coming along today, I really appreciate that. I hope you have a fruitful meeting.”
He was also presented with some chili oil by Jennifer Lasimbang, the former member of Sabah State Legislative Assembly in Borneo. William and the Princess of Wales visited Borneo in 2012 during a tour marking the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
He said: “That looks very spicy, I imagine that’s very hot. I look forward to trying that, maybe this one delicately.” He also told her: “We’re seeing quite a few Earthshot solutions with indigenous people coming through, which is fantastic, so hopefully we can shine a spotlight on all the amazing work you do around the world, which sadly goes quite unnoticed.”
Speaking in Portuguese and using an interpreter, Marina Silva, Brazil’s minister of environment and climate told William: “We’re happy that you’re coming to present the Earthshot award and President Lula is thankful that you’re bringing attention to the work we’re doing.”
She also said she hoped he would attend COP30, to which he laughed, replying: “I’ll be in the area, Marina, we’ll see what happens.” He also spoke with Ms Guajajara, who features in William’s new Guardians series. He said: “I’m thinking of your story in Guardians, it’s been a real success, it’s gone down really well, so thank you very much.”
