Cultural diversity marks the IV International Meeting of People Affected by Dams and Climate Crisis
The presence of Louis, and so many other leaders with their symbols, costumes, and gestures, reaffirmed the power of diversity as a political force. At the IV International Meeting of People Affected by Dams and Climate Crisis, every color, song, and ornament became part of the same narrative: that of peoples united by memory and resistance, building common paths toward collective struggle.
Amid poems, dances, costumes, and flags that crossed oceans, the meeting became a lively celebration of cultural diversity and the resistance of peoples. Held between November 7 and 12, the meeting brought together representatives from 45 countries, 96 organizations, 17 government leaders, and international leaders, consolidating a new global movement in defense of affected territories and for climate justice.
More than 150 leaders from five continents occupied Belém with energy, political commitment, and the symbolic strength of their cultures. With each intervention, each song, or each slogan, hope echoed. After all, “Internationalizing the struggle is to internationalize hope”!
Diversity in the details
Hats of different shapes, colors, and meanings were present at the IV International Meeting, symbolizing the cultural diversity and political strength of the peoples gathered in Belém (PA). Photo: Joka Madruga / MAB
Hats, multifaceted symbols that can represent cultural identity, religion, social status, protection, and even rebellion, were present at the Meeting. What began as basic protection against the elements has become one of the richest visual languages in societies, whose right to wear directly affects freedom of expression and identity.
Among the participants, Louis Lukombo Makuala, a member of the Democratic Republic of Congo delegation, was one of the figures who attracted the most attention with his hats. He explains that, in his country, the accessory has its own meaning:
“My hat represents power. Power is coutumier. I am a coutumier chief, a traditional leader working in communities in Congo that are based on systems of customs and ancestral traditions. I received my hat from my father,” says Makuala.
He acts as guardian of local traditions and culture, being consulted by community members on important issues and acting as the first point of contact before formal authorities.
For Soniamara Maranho, from the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB), the meeting was a synthesis of what it means to build an internationalist struggle. “Diversity does not separate us. It is what gives strength to unity. Each people brought the meaning of their identity, and together, we are writing a collective history.”
Photos: Joka Madruga / MAB
The IV International Meeting of People Affected by Dams and Climate Crisis reaffirmed that the resistance of peoples is plural, colorful, and deeply human. In every painted face, every verse sung, and every embrace exchanged, the conviction was reborn that defending life is also celebrating diversity.
