Host Organisation:
Assembly of First Nations (AFN), University of British Columbia, International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), Tohu Indigenous Analytics, United Nations Foundation (UNF)
Description:
Despite growing recognition in global policy and scientific processes, the ethical engagement of Indigenous Knowledge in climate science and policy remains largely aspirational, lacking the structural changes needed for effective climate action. This event launches an Indigenous-led Policy Guide with a Decolonial Institutional Assessment Tool for the ethical engagement of Indigenous Knowledge Systems within the UNFCCC. Co-produced with Indigenous Knowledge holders and representatives from the seven UN socio-cultural regions, it provides practical ethical principles, targeted recommendations, and diagnostic tools to strengthen global climate governance bodies' capacity for respectful and equitable engagement. The event will highlight how Indigenous self-determination and leadership are essential for just, effective climate action and planetary health. By centering Indigenous visions, rights, and governance systems, the Policy Guide responds to the International Indigenous Peoples' Forum on Climate Change calls to position Indigenous Peoples as rights-holders in global climate solutions. It also aims to support the development of the Ethics Protocol under the LCIPP Baku Workplan. Speakers—including Indigenous leaders, policy experts, and IPCC authors—will discuss persistent structural barriers and present how the Policy Guide aims to transform these into collaboration pathways. The session concludes with formal recommendations to the UNFCCC, offering concrete steps to centre Indigenous Knowledges in climate governance.
Speakers:
Dr Graeme Reed (Assembly of First Nations, former IIPFCC Co-Chair); Dr Ritodhi Chakraborty (Environmental & Social Justice Educator and Analyst, Tohu Indigenous Analytics); Tashi Lhamu Sherpa, Vice-Chair, Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality (Sherpa community leader)
Languages:
English