The 20th Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII20) has opened and will take place to 30 April 2021. The theme this year is “Peace, justice and strong institutions: the role of indigenous peoples in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 16”.

In light of the evolving COVID-19 situation, and taking into account the latest guidance from the United Nations Secretary-General and the World Health Organization (WHO), the Forum Session will take place in a hybrid format with mostly virtual (online) meetings.

In-person meetings at UN Headquarters in New York will only take place at the opening and closing meetings, with limited in-person participation of Forum members and Member States. All other attendees will participate via an online platform. Participation of indigenous peoples’ organizations and civil society will not be possible in-person and will take place only online.

At the opening ceremony of the 20th UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres  stated that “Indigenous peoples are indispensable to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and their voices need to be heard. Respect for their rights means equal and meaningful participation, full inclusion and empowerment.” 

Source and photo:United Nations