The UNCCD is convening a series of regional online consultations with Indigenous Peoples to review and discuss the Draft Terms of Reference for the establishment of an Indigenous Peoples Caucus, as per Decision 5/COP16. 

Indigenous Peoples represent approximately 476–500 million people worldwide. While comprising just over six per cent of the global population, they safeguard around 80 per cent of the planet’s remaining biodiversity and manage at least one quarter of the world’s land surface. Their knowledge systems, governance structures and stewardship practices are essential to combating DLDD, strengthening climate resilience, and conserving biodiversity. 

International recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights is grounded in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP, 2007), which affirms their rights to self-determination, lands, territories and natural resources, culture and effective participation in decision-making processes that affect them. 

Within the framework of the UNCCD, Parties have consistently acknowledged the vital role of Indigenous Peoples and their traditional knowledge in advancing sustainable land management. 

In this context, COP16 Decision 5 requests the secretariat to support the development of relevant Terms of Reference for the creation of an Indigenous Peoples Caucus, ensuring an approach that guarantees representativeness and reflects the unique perspectives and priorities of Indigenous Peoples. 

The consultation will be used to gather the inputs from the Indigenous Peoples to strengthen their effective and inclusive participation of Indigenous Peoples in UNCCD processes and decision-making.

These consultations aim to: 

• Present the Draft Terms of Reference
• Gather feedback from Indigenous representatives on how they could participate in the meetings and processes of the UNCCD
• Ensure inclusivity, representativeness and alignment with Convention principles
• Strengthen collective ownership of the future Caucus structure 

3 March 2026 | 10:00 CET | online 
Interpretation: English, French, Arabic, Russian 
Register here 
 

3 March 2026  | 15:00 CET | online  
Interpretation: English, Spanish, Portuguese  
Register here 

4 March 2026  | 08:00 CET | online  
Interpretation: English, Arabic, Russian 
Register here