Indigenous Peoples Traditional Knowledge at the UN Science, Technology and Innovation Forum Tuesday May 4 at 12:30 pm New York time

Tuesday May 4 at 12:30 pm New York

After more than twenty years of debate, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was approved by the UN General Assembly on September 13, 2007. The Declaration essentially prohibits discrimination against Indigenous Peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them, as well as their right to follow their own vision of economic and social development.

Nevertheless, there is no effective participation of Indigenous peoples in STI policies and decision-making. To-this-date, Indigenous Peoples are treated only as "observers" and not contributors / co- creators / participants. We have an opportunity to change it through this STI Forum with their inclusion as stakeholders.

There is a need to examine and identify challenges and barriers for Indigenous communities to implement workable and replicable emerging S&T based solutions because improving the quality of life for all in the region, and especially indigenous people, requires a new development model. A model which should be born hand in hand with the recovery from COVID-19 and in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

This model for recovery requires strong leadership, multilateralism, and cooperation and not least important is access to the right tools. In this regard, fostering sustainable industrial and technological policies and practices is a critical component of the recovery.

This side event also offers an opportunity to update progress on Article # 15 of the WSIS Declaration stipulating that “In the evolution of the Information Society, particular attention must be given to the special situation of indigenous peoples, as well as to the preservation of their heritage and their cultural legacy”.