Welcome to the United Nations
Every year, the Indigenous Peoples and Development Branch within the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs organizes an international expert group meeting (EGM) on a theme recommended by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and endorse by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
In its twenty-fourth session in 2025, the Permanent Forum recommended the theme of the EGM: “Recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the context of the climate crisis, biodiversity governance and territorial integrity: focusing on nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples, including pastoralists and shifting cultivators”.
The EGM will be held virtually online 1-3 December 2025.
Participation
Accredited Indigenous Peoples Organizations, Member States, United Nations agencies, programmes and funds, non-governmental organizations with ECOSOC status and academia are invited to participate.
Registration
To be announced
Working languages
Interpretation between English, Spanish and French will be available.
Documents
Concept note: English | Spanish
Programme of work: coming soon
Objectives of the Expert Group Meeting
The overall objective of the Expert Group Meeting is to:
- Examine the structural barriers to legal recognition and access to rights for Indigenous Peoples, including mobile Indigenous Peoples.
- Analyze the impact of climate change, conservation policies, and extractive industries on Indigenous Peoples' territories and livelihoods.
- Explore the participation of Indigenous Peoples, especially mobile peoples, in international climate and biodiversity governance.
- Explore the implications of Article 46 of UNDRIP and the principle of territorial integrity in relation to Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination, including mobile Indigenous Peoples.
- Develop actionable recommendations to strengthen the protection of Indigenous Peoples, with particular attention to the mobility and territorial needs of nomadic and semi-nomadic Peoples.
The final report and recommendations of the EGM will be submitted to the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at its twenty-fifth session in 2026.
Themes for discussion
Theme 1: Territorial integrity, statelessness and the right to self-determination: Examining the use of Article 46 of UNDRIP by States to limit Indigenous Peoples’ autonomy and rights and exploring holistic interpretations grounded in international law.
- How does the recognition and support of the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples contribute to the protection of lands and territories, traditional knowledge, and cultural continuity, reinforcing coexistence with the State rather than conflicting with it?
- How can Indigenous Peoples exercise their right to self-determination within the framework of national constitutions and laws?
- What legal, administrative, and participatory mechanisms should States establish to ensure Indigenous Peoples can exercise self-determination over their lands, territories and resources, and cultural practices while respecting national laws?
- How can UN entities, academia and others, support States in recognizing and protecting the self-determination, mobility, and seasonal land-use of mobile Indigenous Peoples, while maintaining national integrity?
Theme 2: Climate Change, Biodiversity Governance, and the Displacement of Indigenous Peoples: Ensuring the full, effective and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in governance and policy frameworks, conservation and climate mitigation projects.
- How can the international community safeguard the distinct status of Indigenous Peoples in global negotiations, preventing the conflation of “Indigenous Peoples and local communities” that some States use to weaken or sidestep Indigenous Peoples’ rights and free, prior and informed consent?
- What legal and policy reforms—at national, regional, and UN levels—are needed to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples facing climate-driven displacement, ensuring their participation in the design of relocation, adaptation, and mitigation strategies?
- How can global climate and biodiversity frameworks recognize and protect the mobility, cross-border movements, and seasonal land use of mobile Indigenous Peoples, while guaranteeing their direct participation in negotiations that affect their territories and livelihoods?
Theme 3: Challenges and transformations of mobile Indigenous Peoples’ lifeways: Exploring the challenges faced and adaptations made by mobile Indigenous Peoples in the context of climate crisis, economic pressures, and evolving aspirations, and their implications for livelihoods, ecological stewardship and cultural continuity.
- What are the most pressing challenges currently faced by mobile Indigenous Peoples in sustaining their traditional lifeways?
- How is climate change currently affecting mobility, seasonal migration, and traditional livelihoods? How are mobile Indigenous Peoples adapting to these changes?
- How are new economic pressures, education, and shifting aspirations among younger generations influencing traditional practices? What strategies are mobile Indigenous Peoples adopting to balance tradition with these changing contexts?
- What opportunities are emerging from new technologies, partnerships, or evolving conditions that could support the continuity or transformation of mobile Indigenous lifeways?
- What lessons can be drawn from these adaptative strategies to inform policy, conservation, and climate adaptation efforts?
- What support do mobile Indigenous Peoples need to sustain their practices and adapt successfully?
- How can governance frameworks better incorporate the perspectives and needs of mobile Indigenous Peoples in addressing climate and economic pressures?
Contact Information
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Inclusive Social Development Indigenous Peoples and Development Branch, @email
Photo credit: Lenorlux | Canva