Meg's Update: April 22: Delivering As One: Indigenous

UN engagement with indigenous peoples remains sub-optional, and today's panel of speakers explored ways to improve partnerships. The underlining truth, as expressed by all, is the need for careful listening to the wisdom of indigenous people themselves, respecting their human rights, and bringing them in on all decisions affecting their lives. The speaker from Nicaragua spoke of the need, within his own country, to improve mechanisms and relationships; at the U.N. their were no helps along this line. Antonella Cordone, IFAD Coordinator for Tribal Issues, spoke of limited success because of a lack of a central policy. One way to improve the situation was to work more closely with other agencies, and in particular, improving the Copenhagen document in relation to climate change and indigenous concerns. Vice-Minister from Bolivia insights shared were indigenous are the teachers about nature, and know how best to protect mother earth. Listen to them! Two Responders added to the conversation by saying protect the cultures of indigenous traditions, and Bolivia's programs could be positive ways for future development - let the people be leaders in policies and implementation of the same.