COP28: Indigenous women march; see photos – 12/05/2023 – Environment

Indigenous leaders participating in COP28, the UN climate conference, in Dubai, organized a march this Tuesday morning (5). With a line of women in front, the group entered the events center hosting the summit in the United Arab Emirates together.

Minister Sonia Guajajara (Indigenous Peoples) and the president of Funai (National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples), Joenia Wapichana, were part of the symbolic act. Since Sunday (3), Sonia has been the head of the Brazilian delegation at COP28.

The post will be handed over to Minister Marina Silva (Environment) this Wednesday (6). Marina left Dubai for a few days to accompany President Lula (PT) on a trip to Germany.

This is the first time that an indigenous leader represents the Brazilian government at a climate conference. The group that marched at the entrance to COP28 this morning also claims that this is the largest indigenous delegation ever organized.

The need to include indigenous people in the most important climate debates and financing will be remembered by members of the march at events throughout this Tuesday.

One of the leaders’ agendas at COP28 is the launch of a bench focused on environmental and indigenous issues, the so-called Bancada do Planeta. The idea is to unite members of the Brazilian Congress and those from other countries.

In Brazil, the initiative is led by federal deputy Célia Xakriabá (PSOL-MG), who was also on the walk this morning.

According to Xakriabá, the bench already has 23 names and has the goal of reaching 200 by COP30, which will be held in Belém, Brazil.