UNPO’s first participation at UNFCCC COP30 was an important step for its members into a space from which they have long been excluded, yet it unfolded in a context of deep failure. Ten years after the Paris Agreement, COP30 once again exposed the structural weaknesses of the global climate regime: inadequate ambition, entrenched power asymmetries, and the continued dominance of fossil fuel, mining, and agribusiness interests driving environmental destruction. Civil society participation remained largely procedural, transparency was limited, and the heavy securitisation of the process
UNPO communities bring valuable knowledge, stewardship practices, and lived experience that can support sustainable, locally grounded solutions, yet they are often excluded within systems that remain largely state-centred. For real climate justice to be truly meaningful, unrepresented peoples should be recognised not only as stakeholders, but as rights-holders and equal partners in decision-making.
By Zumretay Arkin, UNPO Presidency Member and Uyghur Representative and Alexandra Gavilano, UNPO Advisory Board Member
UNPO’s presence at the COP30 for the first time was a historic moment for the organisation, yet it unfolded within an atmosphere marked by profound challenges. Ten years after the Paris Agreement, and contrary to those principles it sought to address, the COP has been highly criticised as a space that continues to sideline the peoples and nations most directly impacted by the climate crisis and creating a heavily militarized space.
This COP, once again, highlighted the shortcomings of international responses. Longstanding global power imbalances remained prevalent throughout engagements, and the outcomes reflected limited structural transformation or a meaningful commitment to addressing the accelerating realities of climate breakdown. Similarly, influential actors from major extractive and agribusiness sectors maintained a prominent presence invited by country delegations themselves, reinforcing dynamics that have long contributed to environmental degradation and the erosion of community rights.
At the same time, several state actors contributing to environmental harm and restrictions on civic freedoms played a central role in shaping public narratives, often overshadowing the voices of impacted communities and human rights defenders.
Within this highly constrained environment, UNPO’s presence carried deep significance. Zumretay Arkin became the very first Uyghur representative ever to join a COP, an important milestone made possible after advisory board member Alexandra Gavilano’s proposal was accepted by UNPO members in May, allowing her and a core team of the presidency to begin preparing a pathway into UNFCCC spaces. For communities such as many UNPO members systematically silenced by its occupying regime, this moment signaled a breakthrough in visibility and recognition.
UNPO members across the world are affected by various forms of ecocide and the harsh impacts of climate breakdown, yet they are excluded both from national decision-making tables and from international processes like the UNFCCC. Participation of unrepresented peoples is essential, especially because those oppressed by occupying regimes cannot rely on state funding or political support. Their voices are exactly the ones that must be heard, because only if funding can reach affected communities directly and there is a strong opposition to oppressive regimes, ensuring that climate ambitions are locally led and respect human rights, can true climate justice be achieved.
At COP30, UNPO made new connections and had productive conversations highlighting the need for direct support to communities like UNPO members, rather than focusing solely on funding directed to states. The struggle of Indigenous communities of Abya Yala resonates with the experiences of many UNPO members, even if their modes of organizing differ. We were able to hold conversations with Indigenous elders from the Amazon, a representative of the Colombian Congress, youth negotiators, party delegates from countries such as Iraq, France and Norway, African climate justice leaders, and others. We also gave interviews, produced social media content, and even secured a collaboration with Fridays for Future, helping bring increased visibility to our cause.
This participation was made possible thanks to SCI International, which provided two badges after many unresponded or declined requests directed at accredited NGOs through official channels. The participation in these spaces are crucial for unrepresented communities who often face financial and logistical barriers to being present in these forums. The accreditation process itself remains slow,and difficult to navigate but UNPO will be working in securing accreditation for COP31. It may be too late for the realities unfolding on the ground, yet ensuring that the voices of unrepresented peoples reach these global spaces remains an urgent priority. Without taking into account the realities, traditional knowledge and experience of Indigenous and unrepresented communities, climate solutions are unable to sustainably address the impacts of the climate crisis.
UNPO’s first appearance at COP30 was an important step and a reminder of the work that still lies ahead. It also underlines something clear: communities experiencing repression, occupation, and climate-related impacts will continue to seek a place in global decision-making, even when access remains limited.
Watch here our reel with the UNPO delegation at the COP30:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRU79Z-DesE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
