Joint Nordic Statement Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Item 5g

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own, Denmark together with Greenland.

Sustainable development, climate action and the rights of Indigenous Peoples are interdependently linked. Indigenous Peoples safeguard a large percentage of the planet’s biodiversity. At the same time, they are among the most affected by the severe impacts of illegal mining, logging, environmental degradation, and climate change, while having contributed the least to climate change. 

Indigenous Peoples have rights to lands, territories, and traditional resources and are holders of knowledge and stewards of biodiversity. States have the duty to consult in good faith with Indigenous Peoples in line with the principle of free, prior, and informed consent to ensure their full and effective participation in decisions affecting them. It is crucial not least because Indigenous knowledge and practices can contribute to innovative sustainable solutions and are hence vital for addressing the biodiversity and climate crises.

What we are learning today, is that we clearly need to address the financing of Indigenous Peoples’ climate actions, so that the support and the actions are proportionate with the crucial role Indigenous Peoples are playing. We invite other donors to join us in the conversation on how we can do better by Indigenous Peoples for climate action that are effective and efficient.

The Nordic countries work to ensure a rights-based, just and inclusive green transition both in our multilateral and bilateral cooperation while promoting support for the poorest and most vulnerable countries and groups. For example, in climate funds and multilateral banks, we promote accountability, transparency and consultation of affected groups based on international standards. We are also pushing for more simplified and direct access to finance in climate funds. Furthermore, we believe that adaptation action should be locally-led with ownership and involvement of not least Indigenous Peoples in accordance with the principles of UNDRIP.

Thank you.