Indigenous Leaders Assert Right to Self-Determination at Global Forum in Rome Amid Climate Crisis

Echoing this sentiment, IFAD President Alvaro Lario stressed the importance of challenging entrenched systems that perpetuate inequality.

As the world faces growing geopolitical instability and climate-related challenges, Indigenous Peoples' leaders from the Global South have convened in Rome for the Seventh Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples Forum (IPFI). The two-day event, held at the headquarters of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), serves as a critical platform for Indigenous leaders to assert their right to self-determination and advocate for food security and sovereignty in the face of escalating climate threats.

A Call for Self-Determination and Food Sovereignty

"The right to self-determination is fundamental: there can be no food sovereignty or security without the protection of Indigenous territories," declared Myrna Cunningham, Chairperson of the IPFI Steering Committee, during the opening ceremony. Cunningham emphasized that strengthening Indigenous governance and recognizing traditional food systems are key steps toward a sustainable, equitable future.

Echoing this sentiment, IFAD President Alvaro Lario stressed the importance of challenging entrenched systems that perpetuate inequality. "The realization of Indigenous Peoples’ rights to self-determination, food security, and sovereignty requires that we question inherited systems that reinforce injustices and take decisive action," Lario said.

Climate Finance Falling Short for Indigenous Communities

Despite being disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, Indigenous Peoples often find themselves sidelined in climate finance initiatives. Limited access to funding hampers their ability to adapt to climate change and build resilience. Indigenous leaders at the forum underscored the urgent need for climate finance tailored to their unique challenges and self-driven solutions.

Albert K. Barume, newly appointed UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, highlighted the interconnectedness of self-determination and food sovereignty. "Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination is a fountain-right from which flow many other rights, including the right to food. Food sovereignty means Indigenous communities control their own food production and practices, preserving culture, knowledge, and a sense of belonging," Barume stated.

A Message from Pope Francis

Monsignor Fernando Chica Arellano, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome, delivered a letter from Pope Francis. The Pope emphasized that "land, water, and food are not mere commodities but the foundation of life and the bond between Indigenous Peoples and nature. Defending these rights is not only a matter of justice but a guarantee of a sustainable future for all."

A Global Gathering for Change

The IPFI brings together 42 delegates representing 35 Indigenous Peoples from 30 countries. The meeting precedes IFAD’s 48th Governing Council session, where representatives from all 180 IFAD Member States will discuss strategies to scale up investments in rural areas to eradicate hunger and poverty by 2030.

The forum follows a series of regional meetings designed to gather diverse perspectives and recommendations from Indigenous communities worldwide. It serves as a crucial platform for policy oversight, guiding IFAD’s strategic direction and resource mobilization.

IFAD’s Ongoing Commitment to Indigenous Peoples

"Our policy now states very clearly that IFAD works with Indigenous Peoples as equal partners to co-create strategies and design and monitor investments," Lario affirmed. He emphasized IFAD’s commitment to supporting Indigenous-led climate projects rooted in traditional knowledge and cultural values.

With an overall investment of US$3.2 billion, nearly 40% of IFAD’s portfolio directly supports Indigenous communities. Projects are designed and implemented with the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of Indigenous Peoples. During the 2022–2024 replenishment cycle, IFAD’s Executive Board approved 14 projects prioritizing Indigenous issues, surpassing the initial target of 10 projects.

Since adopting the new Policy on Engagement with Indigenous Peoples in December 2022, IFAD has significantly advanced its partnerships with Indigenous communities. The Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility (IPAF), supported by IFAD, funds projects in 42 countries, reaching 53 Indigenous groups. IPAF focuses on enhancing access to climate and biodiversity finance, building resilience, and strengthening Indigenous leadership in global environmental agendas.

As the forum continues, Indigenous leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to achieving food sovereignty and securing a sustainable future for their communities and the planet.