From April 21 to May 2, 2025, the 24th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This annual international event serves as a key platform for indigenous representatives, Member States, UN agencies, and civil society organizations to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening the global implementation of indigenous peoples’ rights.
This year’s central theme will be “Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within Member States and the United Nations system, including good practices and current challenges.” The agenda will address essential areas such as sustainable development, education, cultural rights, health, the environment, and human rights, closely linked to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
A highlight of the session will be the participation of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, Dr. Albert K. Barume, who will lead the human rights dialogue scheduled for Monday, April 28, under agenda item 5(d): “Dialogue on human rights with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”
The forum sessions will be live-streamed through the official United Nations platform (webtv.un.org), allowing public access to the debates and conclusions.
This gathering represents a vital opportunity to drive tangible progress in the protection and respect for the rights of indigenous peoples, fostering international collaboration to address the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous communities worldwide.
For more information about the session’s program and its documentation, please visit the UNPFII website.
