My first time at the COP was both exciting and frustrating. I had the opportunity meet some wonderful queer and BiPOC organizers at the side events and the pavilions, but it was infuriating to see how their perspectives were not adequately represented in larger negotiations. Many organizers I met said it felt exhausting to come to an international conference– with a history of extraction, colonialism, and capitalism– put in the effort and energy in the side events and pavilions to explain why these institutions are harmful to their communities, all to be largely ignored by negotiations. Setting aside a few events or pavilions for marginalized voices is not adequate representation. In fact, many marginalized people overcome barriers to attend the COP, and if they are not sufficiently compensated, the effort and energy they expend to be here can result in further harm. These voices should be central to international conversations, and reparations– not aid– to these communities are long overdue.
As a person with Lebanese and Syrian heritage, I hoped to find my home countries represented at the COP, but I couldn’t find anyone with these ethnicities at the pavilions or side events. I even attended the Arab League Negotiations and still could not find representation from my countries. I would think that this is reflective of both the internal politics in these countries and the fact that Arab gulf states often take up the most space in international negotiations. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar must be held accountable for their role in the Yemeni crisis, oil and gas corporations, and slave labor. These are central human rights and environmental justice violations.
However, I did get the opportunity to witness Amal, a 3.5 meter puppet of a Syrian refugee girl raising money and awareness for refugee children, and I had the honor to meet and feel empowered by Syrian, Palestinian, and Pakistani people who lead and organized Amal’s walk. Art is a beautiful way to center joy and inspire action.
It was inspiring to meet youth voices and see the People’s Summit Events. I was honored to witness protests and events centering Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and disability activism. I find hope in an emerging coalition that dismantles oppressive structures and disrupts international negotiations.
