UNPFII25: Item 5 (g) – Thematic dialogue on the financing of Indigenous Peoples’ work and participation across the multilateral and regional system

Joint Statement to the 25th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
United Nations Headquarters, New York 
Item 5 (g): Thematic dialogue on the financing of Indigenous Peoples’ work and participation across the multilateral and regional system

28 April 2026
Statement by: Asia Indigenous Peoples Caucus
Presented by: Toni Chiran, 
Deputy Chair, Asia Indigenous Youth Platform (AIYP)

Thank you, Madam Chair!

I am speaking on behalf of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Caucus. The Indigenous Peoples of Asia comprise at least 70% of the world’s Indigenous Peoples. Yet, we received the least funding, receiving only 7% of the USD 1.7 billion pledge made for Indigenous Peoples in COP 21 in Glasgow. We welcome the USD 1.8 billion Land and Forest Tenure Pledge 2.0  during the COP 30 in Brazil to support Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ priorities in land rights, conservation, and direct financing. We call on the Forest and Tenure Funders Group to ensure Indigenous Peoples have direct access to this pledge, with regular and transparent reporting on its implementation and benefits. We also urge the Tropical Forest Forever Fund (TFFF), including Indonesia and Malaysia, to guarantee Indigenous Peoples direct access to the 20% allocation and decision-making over its use based on their needs and priorities.

We are concerned that financing for development, particularly the “Compromiso de Sevilla”, is silent on the needs of Indigenous Peoples. Development, especially access to health, education, and housing, is essential to strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ resilience to multiple crises. Yet large-scale investments in mining, agribusiness, renewable energy, and infrastructure in Indigenous territories, often justified by climate action and national development, frequently violate our rights to lands, resources, and free, prior, and informed consent, while causing serious environmental harm.

We raise serious concerns that the lack of legal recognition of Indigenous Peoples and our rights in many Asian countries drives ongoing discrimination and limits our access to finance and essential resources. Additionally, some states restrict or prohibit foreign funding for Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and networks, undermining efforts to address marginalization.

1. We reiterate our call for direct funding and dedicated arrangements for Indigenous Peoples within multilateral mechanisms, in line with UNDRIP, particularly Article 39 on access to financial and technical assistance. This will support self-determined development and strengthen climate resilience.
2. Specifically, we call for the board of the Green Climate Fund to operationalize the recommendation of the Fund’s Independent Evaluation Unit to establish a dedicated window for Indigenous Peoples, with a dedicated resource before its next replenishment period, with the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples.
3. We call for donors and intermediaries working with Indigenous Peoples to recognize and uphold the agency and leadership of Indigenous Peoples as equal partners. It is essential to honor and support Indigenous Peoples through a rights-based approach grounded in mutual accountability, solidarity, respect, and equity rather than control and dominance.

In conclusion, we call on States to legally recognize Indigenous Peoples and our rights and provide adequate financing. We urge multilateral bodies to respect our rights, support our priorities, and include our perspectives. States and multilateral bodies must ensure adequate, transparent, and accessible financing reaches Indigenous Peoples in Asia and other regions.

Thank you.

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