The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is one of three UN bodies addressing Indigenous Peoples' issues, focusing on economic and social development, culture, education, environment, health, and human rights.

It also works to ensure that the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is implemented and respected worldwide.

The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is currently being held at UN Headquarters in New York (15 to 26 April).

Here are 3 things unique to this year¡¯s session:

1. The forum is emphasizing Indigenous youth voices?

The theme of this year¡¯s session revolves around enhancing Indigenous Peoples¡¯ right to self-determination, with a special focus on the voices of Indigenous youth.

This underscores their crucial role in safeguarding the conditions, capacities, and values that present generations will bestow upon future ones.

2. Investing in Indigenous Peoples is at the top of the agenda

Thematic discussions?on?financing for Indigenous Peoples?will support their work championing biodiversity, climate action, and the protection of Mother Earth.

The discussions will address the lack of direct financing for Indigenous Peoples and the inability to track financing through intermediaries.

It will also propose recommendations for changes and solutions to ensure that bilateral and multilateral funding can reach Indigenous Peoples directly.

3. We¡¯re commemorating a 10-year milestone?

It has been 10 years since the landmark?adoption of the outcome document of the?World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.?

To honour this achievement, the forum adjourned on the afternoon of 17 April, allowing participants to attend a high-level event convened by the President of the General Assembly.

This presents a valuable opportunity to reflect on progress made since the conference and reaffirm commitments to Indigenous Peoples¡¯ rights and well-being globally.

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