At least 30 indigenous leaders from across the globe will be participating in the HLPF session this year at the UN headquarters in New York from July 10-19. Four indigenous representatives were pre-selected to speak or be the moderator in official panel presentations and discussions relating to the theme of the HLPF and the focus Goals. Statements from indigenous participants will also be presented in relation to the theme of the HLPF, the focus SDGs and on the reports of countries. Indigenous participants are hoping that there will be more visibility and inclusion of indigenous peoples concerns on sustainable development in the HLPF given the pledge of states of “leaving no one behind”. The Indigenous Peoples Major Group (IPMG) has submitted its thematic report on the theme of the HLPF “Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world". It has also presented its specific recommendations to the Ministerial Declaration as the outcome document of the HLPF in the consultation held for inputs from Major Groups and Stakeholders. The participation and engagements of indigenous peoples in the HLPF is being coordinated through the IPMG.
Further, there is also one day dedicated space for indigenous peoples to speak out on their issues, aspirations and stories. This event is called “Indigenous Voices at the HLPF 2017” on July 17 (Monday) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM which will feature the following
- 6 SDG reflection sessions: indigenous speakers will analyse the 6 SDGs under review in 2017
- 4 panels: indigenous perspectives on the 2030 Agenda, the 2017 theme and progress sofar
- Individual interviews: indigenous participants will interview their governments on the experience of the 2017 Voluntary National Reviews
- Indigenous story tellers will tell inspiring stories from their ancestors about Mother Earth
There will also be a side event on “Indigenous Peoples poverty and wellbeing” which is a panel presentation and interactive discussion with speakers from indigenous representatives including indigenous women, government, and UN agencies.
More details of the events are above will be posted in the calendar of events.
The HLPF is the global review process that includes presentations and discussions on the theme, the focus Goals, and reporting of states on the progress and challenges they face in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). This year, there will be 44 countries that will report under the Voluntary National Review (VNR). 24 countries have indigenous peoples as constituents. However, there are serious concerns on the lack of consultation and participation, as well as inclusion of indigenous peoples’ rights and aspiration in national implementation plans.
