Indigenous Leaders to Convene at Global Summit on the Energy Transition

Summit Highlights a Rights-Based Approach and Centers Indigenous Peoples’ Priorities and Solutions 

The Indigenous Peoples Global Coordinating Committee, in partnership with Securing Indigenous Peoples Rights to a Green Economy (SIRGE) Coalition, is hosting the JUST TRANSITION:  Indigenous Peoples’ Perspectives, Knowledge, and Lived Experiences, an international summit taking place from October 8 to 10, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Over 100 representatives of Indigenous Peoples from the seven socio-cultural regions of the world will gather to collectively define a Just Transition and the green economy from Indigenous perspectives. The summit calls for a rights-based approach rooted in principles such as self-determination, FPIC, cultural rights, land and territorial rights, and the participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes. 

Rodion Sulyandziga, Chair of the Indigenous Peoples Global Coordinating Committee, said, “For the energy transition to be truly just and effective in mitigating the climate crisis, Indigenous Peoples must be central to decision-making, leadership, and solutions. All development projects on or near Indigenous territories must receive Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from Indigenous Peoples, as set out by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It is important that development initiatives under the labels of green energy, green economy, climate change mitigation, and conservation do not repeat harms and rights violations of past extractive practices, particularly those against Indigenous Peoples.”

The three-day summit will feature a mix of panels and breakout sessions focusing on key issues affecting Indigenous Peoples. Topics will include transition minerals, transition agriculture, and regional case studies highlighting both negative impacts and best practices. The summit will challenge common terminology and narratives in the current energy transition and redefine the energy transition using Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and solutions, developing shared principles and criteria for a truly Just Transition.

The first two days will be dedicated exclusively to deliberations by and among Indigenous leaders. These two days will encompass closed-door meetings to allow for in-depth discussion on critical themes and the sharing of experiences and solutions.

The morning of day three will involve the development and approval of a common position by Indigenous Peoples. The afternoon session will be dedicated to dialogue with member states, representatives of multilateral institutions, and other stakeholders. The final declaration will be approved by consensus, including agreed-upon principles, priorities, and recommendations for next steps. 

The goals of the forum include: 

1. To discuss and agree on criteria and principles for a rights-based Just Transition and green economy, including presenting examples and contributions based on the traditional knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples on the ground and in their own territories.  

2. To build solidarity among impacted Indigenous Peoples of the seven socio-cultural regions.

3. To increase awareness and share information among Indigenous Peoples as well as non-Indigenous allies from the grassroots to the international levels.

4. To build opportunities for participation by impacted Indigenous Peoples in policy debates and negotiations on local, national, and international levels addressing energy transition policies and practices.

5. To amplify the voices of impacted Indigenous Peoples in decision-making at the United Nations and other international forums deliberating about the energy transition.

The Indigenous Peoples Global Coordinating Committee (IPGCC) will ensure regional and gender balance including youth engagement based on cultural understanding of each represented region. The event will center affected Indigenous communities. The working language of the Summit will be English with interpretation services provided in Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, and French.

To learn more about the upcoming summit, visit: IndigenousSummit.org. 

For media folks interested in attending the summit, please send an email to [email protected]. 

About

The Indigenous Peoples Global Coordinating Committee (IPGCC) consists of Indigenous leaders and organizations from all seven socio-cultural regions that are coordinating and hosting the first Indigenous Peoples’ summit on a Just Transition to develop the common position and the Indigenous Peoples  Declaration based on their values, principles, and vision.  

The Securing Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in the Green Economy (SIRGE) Coalition implements transformative solutions to secure the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the global transition to a green economy. The SIRGE Coalition emphasizes  the urgent need to operationalize Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and ensure Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination in the transition mineral supply chain, as enumerated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Coalition is comprised of First Peoples Worldwide, Cultural Survival, Earthworks, Batani Foundation, and Society for Threatened Peoples, with new affiliate member International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA).

Media Contact: [email protected]