COP30 and Social Mobilizations

Abstract

This article examines the importance of the People’s Summit in the process leading to and during the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), held in Belém, Pará State (Brazil), from 10 to 21 November 2025. The study focuses on the participation of organizations representing Indigenous peoples and national and international peasant movements in addressing the climate crisis. Methodologically, the research is based on a bibliographic and documentary review of the United Nations Conferences on Environment and Development and the Conferences of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, contextualizing social participation in these processes. The study also examines the trajectory of the People’s Summit and the documents presented by Indigenous and peasant organizations during COP30. The analysis is complemented by direct observation of thematic events and public activities held within the framework of the People’s Summit. The findings highlight the historical importance of international conferences in consolidating the debate on climate change and strengthening the role of Indigenous peoples, traditional communities, and social movements. While the official COP30 agenda prioritized negotiations among States and market-based mechanisms aimed at climate governance, the People’s Summit emphasized the defense of human rights and the rights of nature, climate justice, territorial rights, decent working and living conditions, and the fight against socio-environmental inequalities. The article concludes that responses to the climate crisis cannot be limited to technical or market-based solutions but require political and social transformations that recognize the leading role of Indigenous peoples and other populations directly affected.