Imelda Soidi
Day 2 at COP30 in Belem crystallized a single word for me: System.
On one hand, the organizers put in place a physical system to help participants navigate and mobilize between venues, which is certainly a necessary convenience. The Blue Zone, the official hub for negotiations, is naturally restricted to delegations – high rank officials, but outside, the spirit of civil society thrives, such as at the Tapiri Ecumenical and Inter-religious event that unites 40 diverse organizations.
However, the more I delve into the discussions, the more the word “system” takes on a sharp, critical edge.
The most striking realization is how systems are viewed, specifically the financing systems put in place by governments and enterprises for development work. The discourse at the Tapiri event highlighted a profound disconnect: these financial mechanisms are presented as a convenience for development but ultimately seen as only convenient for the powers that be, the governments and corporations who get to “continue doing their business” while the people suffer the true impact of the development work.
This theme of systemic inequality was reinforced visually in the Green Zone.
I witnessed a stark contrast in the exhibits. Products of large corporations are arranged meticulously on decorated shelves within elaborate booths, whereas products brought by Indigenous Peoples are displayed on the floor, outside of any designated booths, and without shelving. It forces me to question: Were the indigenous communities truly invited as equals in this global event, or merely as a “showcase”? Where is the justice and equality in a system that makes such differences so obviously glaring?
The overall reflection from today is that while systems can be established for operational efficiency, they often inherently favor the powerful and leaves people out – those most impacted by development and climate change – to navigate an unequal playing field.
The question of justice persists.
Ms Imelda Soidi is a RAOEN COP30 delegate from the Dusun community in Sabah, Malaysia. Imelda currently coordinates a program on discipleship and mission for young adults in Asia at the Institute of Formation Fondacion Asia.
