Rome, 19 June 2025 — Today, the UN Rome Group of Friends of Indigenous Peoples is gathering for its 15th official meeting at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters, bringing together ambassadors, Indigenous leaders, and international partners in support of Indigenous rights and food systems.The meeting is organized by the FAO Indigenous Peoples Unit (PSUI).
The hybrid session, held from 12:30 to 14:00 in the Iran Room (B016), marks a significant transition in leadership. A handover ceremony will welcome the new co-chairs of the 
group:
H.E. Olga María Pérez Tuna, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the FAO H.E. Jhenifer Mojica, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Colombia to the FAO
They will take over from H.E. Miguel García-Winder, former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Mexico to the FAO, who has served as Chair of the Group.
The meeting will feature a keynote presentation from Mrs. Aluki Kotierk (Inuit, Canada), the newly appointed Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
Mr. Anders Oskal, Secretary Generaly of World Reindeer Herders, is participating virtually and was invited to share insights on Indigenous food systems and governance, and also speak about the NOMAD Indigenous FoodLab as a venue for the Global-Hub meeting during the World Food Forum in October 2025.
Participants will also receive updates on the Indigenous Peoples Room at the FAO’s Food and Agriculture Museum & Network (FAO MuNe), ongoing work with the FAO Fire Management Hub, and key upcoming events such as the EMRIP session, Global-Hub in-person meeting, FAO Conference, and CFS/HLPE work.
Today's gathering reaffirms the Group's commitment to elevating Indigenous voices and ensuring their full participation in global decision-making on food, land, and climate.
Photo: Anders Oskal presens teh Arctic Council SDWG EALLU cookbook to the FAO Director General Qu DongYu during the World Food Forum in Rome in Ocober 2022, when the NOMAD Indigenous FoodLab was first time brought to FAO Headquarters. (c)FAO.
