“Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations: from the experience of the first delegates to the empowerment of the younger generations”

Ambassador Fasel,
State Councillor Maudet,
Ms. Ballantyne,
Ladies and Gentleman:

It is a privilege to welcome you to the Palais des Nations for this Symposium, which highlights the enduring cooperation between the United Nations and indigenous peoples over the past 35 years.

With the support of our host Government at all levels, the international community in Geneva has long played an important role in the discussion and codification of the rights of indigenous peoples. “International Geneva” has a proud heritage of facilitating multilateral cooperation and coordination on a wide range of key issues and we are pleased to continue this tradition today.
In fact, in 1977, the first International NGO Conference on indigenous peoples was held here at the Palais des Nations – and in this very room! Since these first steps, we have worked together to draft the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; to establish the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and the Expert Mechanism and Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Safeguarding these rights for past and future generations has been and remains an important priority of the United Nations.

As we recognize what we have achieved, it is also important to acknowledge the challenges that remain. There is indeed much still to do to improve the circumstances of indigenous communities around the world. The Alta outcome document mentions issues related to land rights, especially with regard to ancestral and sacred territories; as well as the preservation of cultural practices and the right to be consulted in national decisions affecting indigenous livelihoods. These recommendations represent a good basis for future discussions on these concerns, as we work towards greater national and international cooperation on indigenous rights.

In this spirit, I fully encourage the participation of indigenous peoples and civil society organizations in the High Level Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly to be held next year in New York. It will be an excellent opportunity for multilateral cooperation on indigenous rights and is in itself a positive step towards greater engagement with indigenous communities.

It is clear that our achievements, from the 1977 conference to the 2007 Declaration, would not have been possible without the active involvement of indigenous populations, NGOs and civil society organizations. Together, we strive to ensure that indigenous voices are incorporated into the work of the international community, not only to defend the rights of indigenous peoples, but on a broad spectrum of issues.

I see this symposium as a commemoration - a commemoration of a long-lasting partnership between indigenous peoples and the United Nations for over 35 years.

In this light, I am delighted that doCip has organized the recording of the experiences of several distinguished First Delegates from the 1977 conference in order to transmit these to the next generation.
Safeguarding the knowledge and experiences of previous generations is central to understanding our collective history and ensuring we learn from the successes and failures of our predecessors. It is through this transmission that we truly empower coming generations.

This symposium is a poignant reminder that from the experience of the First Delegates to today, indigenous peoples will always find a partner in the United Nations. With this in mind, I wish you all a very productive and enriching symposium.

Thank you for your attention.