“We are here to try to apply pressure so that countries fulfil their promises and we don’t accept a regression,” stated Txai Surui, a distinguished Indigenous leader at 28, in an interview with Agence France-Presse. Her words highlight the urgency that many activists feel about holding nations accountable for their commitments.

Scott expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s just really exciting and a little bit of a nice antidote to the staleness and sterileness of the inside of the COP.” His remarks capture the vibrant energy that often contrasts with the more formal atmosphere of international climate conferences.

Meanwhile, Giovani Del Prete, at 33, shared his perspective with AFP, emphasizing, “Here we are talking about agroecology, feminism, we are talking about how trade unions are defending the life and better employment.” His statement reflects the broad range of issues being addressed by activists gathered at the event.

The demonstration, which organizers estimated to have drawn a crowd of 50,000, ultimately concluded without incident, dispersing peacefully.

However, tensions arose on Friday when Indigenous protesters staged a blockade at the entrance for approximately two hours. This action was aimed at bringing attention to the ongoing struggles faced by communities in the Amazon, and it required high-level interventions to resolve the situation.

Then on Friday, dozens of Indigenous protesters blocked the entrance for roughly two hours to spotlight their struggles in the Amazon, prompting high-level interventions to defuse the situation.

High stakes

Countries locked horns over trade measures and weak climate targets, while a showdown looms over demands that rich nations triple the finance they provide poorer states to adapt to a warming world.