Side Event at the 18th Session of the UNPFII

Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change: Emerging Research on Traditional Knowledge and Livelihoods

In collaboration with the UNFCCC, Indigenous Peoples Major Group (IPMG) and Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP). Launch of a compendium of case studies on emerging research on traditional knowledge, prepared by the ILO in collaboration with the University of Oxford.

The event deepened an understanding about the interplay of traditional knowledge systems, rooted in indigenous ways of life, cultural approaches and traditional occupations, with the transformations being experienced in societies, economies, institutions, technologies and the climate.

Experts shared and reflected on the key findings from new research presented in ILO’s compendium of case studies, prepared in collaboration with the School of Geography and the Environment (University of Oxford), and also highlighted successful experiences and practices of indigenous peoples in the world of work, particularly rooted in traditional knowledge and occupations, as well as through examples that highlight the amalgamation of traditional and scientific knowledge. The discussions brought to the fore the perspectives of indigenous peoples and other key stakeholders, with an emphasis on the recognition and valuing of traditional knowledge, skills and institutions, as well as their critical role in innovation that can support the creation of indigenous led green enterprises and jobs, and in strengthening climate action.

Research findings by Rishabh Kumar Dhir (ILO) and Ariell Ahearn (University of Oxford).

Panellists:
  • Ivan Zambrana (Executive Director of the Plurinational Authority of Mother Earth, Bolivia)
  • Joan Carling (Indigenous Peoples’ Major Group for Sustainable Development)
  • Tiffany Hodgson (UNFCCC)
  • Pallab Chakma (Executive Director of Kapaeeng Foundation, Bangladesh)
Moderator: Martin Oelz (ILO)

The recording of the full event is available here: