Dates: The twenty-fourth session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will take place in-person from 21 April to 2 May 2025.
Location: UN Headquarters, New York
International Expert Group Meeting: “The rights of Indigenous Peoples, including those in voluntary isolation and initial contact in the context of the extraction of critical minerals”
2-5 December 2024, Virtual Format
The Indigenous Peoples Development Branch within the Division of Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs will organise an International Expert Group Meeting on the theme “The rights of Indigenous Peoples, including those in voluntary isolation and initial contact in the context of the extraction of critical minerals” recommended by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and endorsed by the Economic and Social Council.
See here for more information.
Agencies questionnaires
The Indigenous Peoples Development Branch/Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues invites UN system agencies, funds and programmes and other intergovernmental organizations to complete the attached questionnaire on any action taken or planned in response to the Permanent Forum’s recommendations, the system-wide action plan on rights of indigenous peoples (SWAP) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The responses will be compiled into a report for the 2024 session of the Permanent Forum. In your responses, please, include information on progress and challenges related to Indigenous women, Indigenous persons with disabilities, Indigenous older persons, and Indigenous children and youth.
Questionnaire to UN entities and intergovernmental organisations
Provisional Agenda for the twenty-fourth session (E/C.19/2025/1)
1. Election of officers.
2. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work.
3. Discussion on the theme “Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges”.
4. Discussion on the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum (economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health and human rights), with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
5. Dialogues:
(a) Dialogue with Indigenous Peoples;
(b) Dialogue with Member States;
(c) Dialogue with the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes;
(d) Human rights dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; annual review of progress on the implementation of general recommendation No. 39 (2022);
(e) Interregional, intergenerational and global dialogue;
(f) Dialogue on Indigenous platforms established within United Nations entities;
(g) Thematic dialogue on the financing of Indigenous Peoples’ work and participation across the multilateral and regional system.
6. Future work of the Permanent Forum, including issues considered by the Economic and Social Council, the outcome document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples and emerging issues.
7. Provisional agenda of the twenty-fifth session of the Permanent Forum.
8. Adoption of the report of the Permanent Forum on its twenty-fourth session.
Participation in the annual session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is open to Member States, the UN and other intergovernmental organizations, Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations (IPOs), academia accredited to the Permanent Forum and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) in consultative status with ECOSOC. Indigenous parliamentarians and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) may also be invited to attend.
For IPOs and academia, there is a 2-step accreditation and registration process. While those that have previously participated in UNPFII may already have iCSO accreditation, we recommend checking that this remains active and that the associated information is up to date and correct. NGOs with ECOSOC Status only need to complete Step 2. NGOs working on Indigenous issues without ECOSOC Status would need to apply for and receive ECOSOC status in order to participate, For Indigenous Parliamentarians and NHRIs there is a separate process detailed below.
Step 1: Apply for or check accreditation and update information in iCSO
Accreditation has now closed.
IPOs and academia that have previously participated at UNPFII should access their profile in the iCSO system, ensure that the focal point email address is accurate and update any information that may be missing. To ensure updates to profiles are reviewed and changes to focal point contacts are notified – make sure to follow the exact steps outlined in the iCSO guide.
Please note that if you update the contact email for the focal point, you MUST notify us of the change by email. Send an email to indigenous_un@un.org. with the subject line: “UNPFII IPO/Academia - Focal Point Update”. Include the following details in your email: Name of your organization, and the new focal point information and contact details.
Step 2: Register individual participants in INDICO
After an IPO or academia has been approved for accreditation through the iCSO System, it can then undertake the registration of its individual participants via the United Nations INDICO registration system. The focal point designated in the iCSO system must approve the registration of their delegation.
Delegates will not be registered until this step is completed. Please note that each accredited organization are limited to register no more than 10 individuals as part of their delegation.
Who: Participants (18 years or older) from IPOs and academia that have been approved for accreditation through iCSO and NGOs with ECOSOC Status
When: 24 February – 21 March 2025
Where: INDICO (link to be provided)
Indigenous Parliamentarians and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) should contact indigenous_un@un.org with Subject "Registration Indigenous Parliamentarians/NHRIs". Once approved, participants can register using the INDICO registration system.
Indigenous youth/minors
Please note that all Indigenous youth/minors under the age of 18 years (17 and below) will be issued a “Youth Participant Pass”, therefore, accredited IPOs to the UNPFII must request a pass between 24 February and 21 March 2025 by contacting indigenous_un@un.org with the Subject: Indigenous Youth participant.
Indigenous youth/minors cannot be registered via INDICO.
Important details for UNPFII participation and registration
IPOs may be accredited as observers to attend sessions of the UNPFII. Based on past practice at the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, academic institutions may also be permitted to attend. Academic institutions’ work must be related to Indigenous Peoples and relevant to the UNPFII. Think tanks are not considered to be academic institutions.
The Permanent Forum has also agreed that Indigenous Parliamentarians and National Human Rights Institutions may be invited to attend.
Online registration is mandatory for all participants by the deadlines. Registrations by email cannot be accepted.
Note: The United Nations does not charge fees for participation in the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues’ sessions. The United Nations will not pay for any expenses in connection with the participation of IPOs, Academia, NGO representatives in the sessions of UNPFII. Such arrangements and costs are the exclusive responsibility of participants.
Programme of Work (E/C. 19/2025/L.1)
|
WEEK 1 |
10:00 - 13:00 (New York time) |
15:00 - 18:00 (New York time) |
|
Monday 21 April |
11:00 Opening of the session (GA Hall) Item 1 Election of officers Item 2 Adoption of the agenda and organization of work |
Item 5 (e) Interregional, intergenerational and global dialogue on “The rights of Indigenous women” [Interactive high-level dialogue] |
|
Tuesday 22 April |
10:00 – 11:45 Item 5 (e) (continued) Interregional, intergenerational and global dialogue on “The rights of Indigenous women” [Interactive high-level dialogue] 11:45 – 13:00 Item 3 Discussion on the theme “Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges” [Speakers’ list] |
Item 3 (continued) Discussion on the theme “Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges” [Speakers’ list] |
|
Wednesday 23 April |
Item 5 (g) Thematic dialogue on the financing of Indigenous Peoples’ work and participation across the multilateral and regional system Panel focus on critical minerals and Indigenous Peoples [Speakers’ list] |
Item 5 (g) (continued) Thematic dialogue on the financing of Indigenous Peoples’ work and participation across the multilateral and regional system Panel focus on financing and Indigenous Peoples [Speakers’ list] |
|
Thursday 24 April |
Item 5 (a) Dialogue with Indigenous Peoples (closed meeting) [Interactive dialogue] |
Closed meeting for Permanent Forum members |
|
Friday 25 April |
Item 4 Discussion on the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum (economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health and human rights), with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development [Speakers’ list] |
Item 4 (continued) Discussion on the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum (economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health and human rights), with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development [Speakers’ list] |
|
WEEK 2 |
10:00 - 13:00 (New York time) |
15:00 - 18:00 (New York time) |
|
Monday 28 April |
Item 5 (d) Human rights dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; annual review of progress on the implementation of general recommendation No. 39 (2022) [Interactive dialogue] |
Item 5 (d) (continued) Human rights dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; annual review of progress on the implementation of general recommendation No. 39 (2022) [Speakers’ list] |
|
Tuesday 29 April |
Item 5 (f) Dialogue on Indigenous platforms established within United Nations entities [Interactive dialogue]
|
Closed meeting for Permanent Forum members |
|
Wednesday 30 April |
Item 5 (c) Dialogue with United Nations agencies, funds and programmes (closed meeting) [Interactive dialogue] |
Item 6 Future work of the Permanent Forum, including issues considered by the Economic and Social Council, the outcome document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples and emerging issues [Speakers’ list] |
|
Thursday 1 May |
Closed meeting for Permanent Forum members |
Item 5 (b) Dialogue with Member States (closed meeting) [Interactive dialogue] |
|
Friday 2 May |
Closed meeting for Permanent Forum members |
Item 7 Provisional agenda of the 25th session of the Permanent Forum Item 8 Adoption of the report of the Permanent Forum on its 24th session Closing of the session |
1. What is the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)?
The UNPFII is one of three UN mechanisms specifically addressing Indigenous Peoples' issues, focusing on economic and social development, culture, education, environment, health, and human rights.
2. What is the theme of the UNPFII 2025 Session?
The theme is "Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges”.
3. When and where will the UNPFII 2025 Session take place?
The session will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 21 April to 2 May 2025 in Conference Room 4.
4. Where is the opening ceremony?
The opening of the twenty-fourth session of the Permanent Forum will take place in the General Assembly Hall on 21 April 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can access the GA Hall from 10 a.m. using the ceremonial stairs or the elevator.
5. Who can participate in the UNPFII 2025 Session?
Member States, UN and intergovernmental organizations, Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations (IPOs), accredited academics, and NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC can participate. Indigenous youth who are 18 years of age and below, can apply to participate, following the steps on this website.
6. How can I register my organization for the UNPFII 2025 Session?
Registration is open in two stages.
The first stage is for organizations participating for the first time and not accredited in the iCSO system from 3 February to 14 February 2025.
The second stage will open from 24 February to 21 March 2025 in INDICO system, for organizations who have previously been accredited and participated and organizations from the first stage who have been approved. Late registrations cannot be accepted. Visit the 'Registration' tab on this website for detailed instructions.
7. Who will approve your individual delegate registration?
To proceed to the second stage of registration, individual participants from accredited organizations will be approved by your organization’s designated focal point in the INDICO system. After being approved, a confirmation letter will be generated automatically.
8. Who are the focal points?
Each organization must designate a focal point in iCSO.
9. What are the collection procedures for UN grounds passes?
Those delegates pre-registered and approved can collect their passes during specified times that will be announced. Please bring confirmation letters and valid forms of identification (passport/ID).
10. Are there fees for participating in UNPFII sessions?
The United Nations does not charge fees for participation. Participants are responsible for their own expenses.
11. How can participants with disabilities get assistance?
Please contact the UN Accessibility Centre, accessibilitycentre@un.org, and the Secretariat through the email address cianciulli@un.org.
12. What is the Programme of work for the UNPFII 2025 Session?
The Programme of work details how each meeting will be organized. For the full programme please visit the Programme of Work tab on this website.
13. How can participants speak at the Forum?
To speak at the Forum, participants can engage through two opportunities outlined in the Programme of work: "Lists of Speakers" (for pre-registered observers) and "Interactive Dialogues" (open to everyone).
Lists of Speakers: Available to registered observers, all participants except Academia can register to speak on agenda items 3, 4, 5 (d) afternoon meeting, 5 (g), and 6. The speakers will rotate among Member States, accredited Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations, and UN agencies with ECOSOC accredited NGOs as time permits.
Each speaker can speak once per agenda item, limited to 3 minutes. Venue to be confirmed.
Interactive Dialogues: For agenda items 5(a), 5(b), 5(c), 5(d) morning meeting, 5(e), and 5(f), there is no pre- established speaker list. Observers can request the floor at the beginning of each session by raising their hand and pressing the microphone button. Interventions may be limited to three minutes, or less.
14. How are seating arrangements organized during sessions?
The first two rows are reserved for Forum Members, panel speakers, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, EMRIP members, and Indigenous Parliamentarians.
Seats for Indigenous Peoples Organizations will be designated with nameplates. Please use these seats only.
During the opening meeting on the morning of 21 April, seating will also be available for Indigenous Peoples Organizations in the General Assembly Hall on a first-come first-served basis. Please be seated behind the nameplate “Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations”.
15. Are there side events during the UNPFII 2025 Session?
Yes, side events organized by accredited organizations will take place. Some side events will take place within the Conference building, while others will be held at external venues. Please refer to the list of side events published on this website above, for more information.
Registration for side events runs from 24 February to 12 March 2025.
16. How can the media attend the session?
Accredited media can attend. Journalists without UN credentials must apply online. Plenary sessions will be broadcast online, and there will be an Indigenous Media Zone during the first week.
17. What is the Indigenous Media Zone?
The “Indigenous Media Zone” (IMZ), organized in coordination with the Department of Global Communication and Cultural Survival, aims to provide a space for Indigenous and mainstream media channels and platforms to cover the 24th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Non-Indigenous media are welcome to join.
It will be located in the UN Correspondents Association Room (3rd floor, Secretariat building, S-310) during the first week of the session.
For more information, and to register and request a time slot for an interview once the registration window opens, please see our website.
18. What do I need to do if I am delivering a statement?
Participants who will deliver statements at the plenary meetings are requested to send a copy (in both PDF and Microsoft Word formats) to estatements@un.org no later than two hours in advance of the delivery of the statement. The name of the meeting and the speaker, as well as the agenda item, should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the email and in the heading of the statement. This is important to ensure accurate interpretation and also serves as a record of your statement. Please deliver your statement at a normal pace designed to finish within a 3-minute time limit.
19. Does the UN assist with travel to New York?
Travel arrangements, including visa procedures, are the responsibility of participating organizations. The United Nations will send a confirmation letter to pre-registered representatives to the email address registered in the INDICO system, which can be used for visa requests.
20. Where can I find all relevant documents and information?
All official UN documents, including the agenda and program, are available on this website in all UN languages.
Registration for side events will be open between 24 February – 12 March 2025.
More information on side events will be provided soon.
Given that the United Nations relies on the cooperation of the people whom it serves and that everyone, individually and in association with others, has the right to unhindered access to and communication with the Organization, the Permanent Forum urges Indigenous Peoples to report on threats, human rights abuses and reprisals for participating in the Forum to OHCHR at reprisals@ohchr.org
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