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The global body has asked its delegates to reduce their attendance at the upcoming climate conference in Brazil this fall, citing sky-high lodging costs in the host city of the Amazonian city.

Accommodation Issue Endangers Accessibility

Government teams are allegedly struggling to book reasonably priced accommodations, while escalating costs have prompted demands from some countries to relocate the event—a proposal that Brazilian authorities have firmly dismissed.

“Considering the space shortages in Belem, I would like to politely ask that chiefs of the UN agencies reconsider the scale of their representatives,” said the executive secretary in an official memorandum.

Support for Poorer Countries

Brazil’s organizing committee emphasized its pledge to provide accommodations at discounted prices for delegates from developing countries.

Nevertheless, high rates and a lack of suitable lodgings have raised alarms that numerous smaller states may find it difficult to attend the conference.

Press and Advocacy Organizations Likewise Facing Challenges

Press groups and advocacy networks have also stated that they may have to cut or abandon their coverage of the event due to prohibitive accommodation costs.

Hosts have been alerted that neglect to tackle the accommodation crisis could result in what some are labeling “the most exclusive climate summit ever.”

Ongoing Discussions and Next Steps

At a previous meeting, the United Nations suggested that Brazil subsidize hotel rates to ensure lodgings at around $100 per night for representatives from the least developed countries and between $$400 and $$500 for other participants.

Yet, the executive secretary clarified that Brazil is already absorbing significant costs related to staging the summit and will not provide further subsidies.

Officials from attending states and the United Nations are scheduled to meet again later this week to continue discussions on the accommodation issue.