International Code Council to Lead Discussions about Capacity Building, Innovation and Resilience at COP30
The Code Council will offer expertise and solutions for governments and the building industry to help address the impacts of a changing climate.
From Nov. 10–21, 2025, the International Code Council (ICC) will be participating at the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Belém, Brazil. The COP summit is an annual gathering of countries to negotiate commitments to address the causes and implications of the changing climate. On the sidelines of the official government negotiations is a massive gathering of subnational leaders, non-government organizations, civil society organizations and businesses to collaborate with each other and to offer solutions and support for policy makers. ICC has played a meaningful role in these gatherings since COP26 in 2021.
During COP30, ICC will offer insight and leadership in discussions related to resilience and adaptation, housing affordability, capacity building, strong codes and standards, off–site construction, innovation and conformity assessment solutions. Additionally, sessions have been organized to highlight the use of International Code® (I-Code®) based building codes and capacity building solutions in Pakistan and the Marshall Islands.
Again this year, ICC is supporting the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) in hosting the Buildings and Cooling Pavilion. With the support of the Brazilian Ministry of Cities, the pavilion will be located in a neighborhood along with other entities supporting resilience in the built environment.
Over the course of the two–week conference, ICC speakers will be featured in over 10 sessions, and ICC solutions will be highlighted in even more sessions by ICC’s global partners. A session at the high-profile COP Presidency Thematic Hub will showcase ICC’s work.
ICC will also present an exhibit, in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), from Nov. 17-20. Drawing from the success of the ICC-AIA exhibit at COP29, this year’s exhibit will again showcase a variety of tools, frameworks and best-practice solutions, highlighting how the integration of advanced building codes and innovative architectural designs is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Detailed information about ICC activities at COP, including presentations, reports and resources can be accessed here.
About the Author
Judy Zakreski, Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Solutions, is a Certified Global Business Professional responsible for developing and executing the International Code Council's global strategy, including oversight of the organization’s two regional offices in Dubai and Australia. She also serves as the Executive Director of the International Building Quality Centre (IBQC) and as the Vice Chair of the Virginia/DC District Export Council.
