Indigenous Peoples: On the frontline of climate change & biodiversity loss UN Chief | United Nations

Remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the Opening Ceremony of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 24th session. --- The world’s Indigenous Peoples are magnificently diverse in cultures, languages, histories, and traditions... But united by common features and common challenges. You are the pre-eminent stewards of the world’s biodiversity and of the environment. Your knowledge and traditional practices are leading models of conservation and sustainable use – reflecting your commitment to living life in harmony with Mother Earth, and to the wellbeing and rights of future generations. The world has much to learn from your wisdom, insights and approaches, which prioritise the health of ecosystems over short-term economic gains… As we tackle the many challenges that we face – building sustainable food systems, moving to sustainable ways of livings, and more, we must recognize that the world does not always value you as it should. --- The difficulties facing Indigenous Peoples around the world are an affront to dignity and justice. And a source of deep sorrow for me personally. Indigenous women face particular challenges – including barriers to political participation, economic opportunities, and essential services. On a trip to Suriname three years ago, I had the honour of visiting the Kaliña Peoples. I witnessed how climate change is devastating their lands, and destroying their way of life. And I heard how mercury from illegal mining is harming Indigenous Peoples in the region, as in many others, namely, including Brazil - poisoning their water and food supplies. Everywhere, Indigenous Peoples are on the frontline of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss – despite having done nothing to create these crises and everything to try to stop them. Eviction and illegal exploitation continue to harm your people and grossly violate your rights. You face marginalisation, discrimination, unemployment, economic disadvantage and horrendous violence – particularly as you seek to defend our common home. And too often you are excluded from decisions that directly impact your land and territories – threatening your ways of life and food security. Meanwhile, a looming threat grows – the race for minerals critical to the global energy transition – a large proportion of which are located on or close to Indigenous Peoples’ territories. As demand soars, too often we see dispossession; exclusion and marginalisation in decision-making; the rights of Indigenous Peoples trampled and health jeopardised, all as you are denied the benefits you deserve. Full remarks: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-04-21/secretary-general%E2%80%99s-remarks-the-opening-ceremony-of-the-un-permanent-forum-indigenous-issues Watch in 6 UN official languages: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1cjhgujod


For more information or to watch video on YouTube, click here!