UN Meeting on Indigenous Peoples
Seventh Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum at IFAD
The Seventh Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum at IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) took place in Rome in the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization hub, on 10 and 11 February 2025, focusing on the theme of “Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination: a pathway for food security and sovereignty”.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Forum is a consultative process involving Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, IFAD, and governments, convening every two years, after regional meetings, to ensure diverse perspectives.
The meeting’s theme chosen for the 2025 edition aimed to provide a platform for dialogue where Indigenous Peoples’ representatives can share their concerns, priorities, and recommendations with IFAD to enhance their partnership and the impact of initiatives in Indigenous communities.
This aligns with the general objectives of the Forum, which include discussing IFAD’s engagement with Indigenous Peoples, consulting on rural development and poverty reduction, promoting the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, translating IFAD’s policy on engagement with Indigenous Peoples into action, and strengthening IFAD’s leadership on Indigenous issue.
Pope Francis addressed the forum in a Message, emphasizing the value of Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral heritage and the importance of preserving their cultural identity and natural resources. He condemned the increasing seizure of farmland by corporations and states, stressing that land, water, and food are not commodities, but fundamental to life and the bond between Indigenous Peoples and nature. He stated that defending these rights is a matter of justice and a guarantee of a sustainable future for all.
Images
- Foto di Femke Schreurs su Unsplash
Sources
- Message of the Holy Father to the organizers and participants in the Seventh Indigenous Peoples’ Forum – Holy See Press Office
- IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) site
- Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination: A pathway for food security and sovereignty Meeting: Concept note – Agenda – Press Release