The theme of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) Twenty-First Session, taking place April 25 through May 8 virtually and in-person, examines “Indigenous peoples, business, autonomy and the human rights principles of due diligence including free, prior and informed consent.”
Among a variety of side events on these topics, First Peoples Worldwide will present a high-level panel exploring the issues, concerns and considerations of mineral and mining practices necessary for the transition to low-carbon economic development, and a training for Indigenous leaders that builds capacity to advocate for the right of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) around transition minerals.
You may RSVP to these events at the links below.
VIRTUAL SALT TRAINING
Indigenous Shareholder Advocacy & Leadership Training: Operationalizing FPIC in the Transition to Net Zero
Monday, May 2, 2022, 1:30-3:00 pm ET – RSVP
A worldwide transition to a low-carbon economy is underway to curb societal dependence on fossil fuels and to accelerate cleaner energy alternatives. Without a shift from harmful extractive patterns, however, the increased dependence on minerals necessary for this transition will carry the same threats and harms to Indigenous communities. How can Indigenous Peoples advocate for their rights and protect their lands and resources at every level of the transition minerals supply chain? How can Indigenous leaders engage with shareholders and investors to better align human rights with corporate ESG and social impact commitments?
Hosted by First Peoples Worldwide, which works alongside Indigenous communities and enterprises globally to advocate for Indigenous rights in the capital market, this Shareholder Advocacy & Leadership Training (SALT) presents market-based strategies to advocate for development that occurs with the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of Indigenous Peoples. Information, case studies and resources will be provided to help Indigenous Peoples harness and mobilize shareholder and investment strategies to target the companies that are proposing harmful projects. The training also offers practical tools to protect Indigenous rights and resources, paving a path towards a just transition to net zero economy that protects the culture and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples, as well as long-term shareholder value.
Partner Organization: Cultural Survival.
WEBINAR
Indigenous Solutions toward the New Energy Economy: Transition Minerals, Mining, and FPIC
Thursday, May 5, 2022, 1:30-3:00 pm ET – RSVP
Transition minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel are critical to the development of a green, low-carbon economy. With increased mining of these resources, Indigenous People must defend their rights and territories to stop the desecration of sacred places, threat of pollution, and an increased risk of sexual violence and homicide that results from development that lacks adequate human rights due diligence. As witnessed with Rio Tinto’s Juukan Gorge project in Western Australia, Thacker Pass in the U.S., and the Atacama salt flat of northern Chile, the failure to obtain free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) from impacted communities results in irrevocable harm to Indigenous communities, resources, and cultural heritage sites.
Hosted by First Peoples Worldwide and a global, Indigenous-led coalition working to forward the rights of Indigenous Peoples in transition mineral development, this panel spotlights leaders on the frontlines of mining engagements. They will map the global ecosystem and share pathways towards a just transition to sustainable and economic and resource development that protects both long-term shareholder value and the rights and culture of Indigenous Peoples around the world.
Speakers:
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Galina Angarova, Executive Director, Cultural SurvivalPayal Sampat, Mining Program Director, Earthworks
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Pavel Sulyandziga, President, Batani Foundation
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Tabea Willi, Campaign Manager, Society for Threatened Peoples
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Kate Finn (Moderator), Executive Director, First Peoples Worldwide
Partner Organizations: Cultural Survival, Batani Foundation, Earthworks, and Society for Threatened Peoples.
MORE SIDE EVENTS FROM OUR PARTNERS
On the Frontlines: Criminalization of & Violence against Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Land Defenders
Wednesday, April 27, 11:15 am - 12:45 pm ET
Presented by Cultural Survival; Co-Sponsors: Minority Rights Group and Maya Leaders Alliance of Southern Belize
REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/unpfii27
Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights Principles, and FPIC in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
Friday, April 29, 11:15 am-12:45 pm ET
Presented by Cultural Survival; Co-Sponsors: IIFB and Women4Biodiversity
REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/unpfii29
Indigenous youth on the frontlines: Using community media tools in defending Indigenous lands
Monday, May 2, 11:15 am-12:45 pm ET
Presented by Cultural Survival
REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/unpfiiyouth
Teach-in: How to Maximize Your Advocacy Effectiveness using the Universal Periodic Review, Treaty Bodies, and the High-Level Political Forum to Advocate for Indigenous Rights
Wednesday May 4, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm ET
Presented by Cultural Survival
REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/unpfii04
What does the Indigenous Maya Kaqchikel Peoples of Sumpango vs. Guatemala decision mean for Indigenous media in Latin America?
Thursday, May 5, 11:15 am-12:45pm ET
Presented by Cultural Survival; Co-Sponsors: Suffolk University Law School
REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/unpfii5
See the full list of side events at the UNPFII Twenty-First Session.