I met António Guterres, the secretary general of the United Nations, in a village on the Amazon River. I was the first Indigenous journalist to exclusively interview him about climate change and its impact on our planet. What struck me was his willingness to listen to our perspectives and concerns.
Guterres acknowledged that we Indigenous peoples have a deep understanding of nature and our role as defenders of the forest. However, he also recognized that the world needs more than symbolic gestures; it requires concrete action to protect our lands and the environment.
As I took Guterres on a journey through my territory, I showed him the effects of deforestation, pollution, and climate change firsthand. He seemed to understand the urgency of the situation, but I worry that some parts of humanity are still ignoring the crisis.
Guterres emphasized the importance of listening to Indigenous voices and respecting our rights. However, I believe that more needs to be done to address the root causes of climate change and protect our planet. We must relearn from nature and work together to find a sustainable future for all.
The interview left me with a sense of hope, but also a reminder that we need to continue listening to each other and working towards a common goal: preserving the health of our planet and ensuring a livable future for generations to come.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/28/waja-xipai-indigenous-journalist-interview-antonio-guterres-cop30