Article Release: Enhancing Meaningful Indigenous Leadership and Collaboration in International Environmental Governance Forums
In December 2024, the landmark report "Enhancing Meaningful Indigenous Leadership and Collaboration in International Environmental Governance Forums" unveiled the first global empirical study exploring the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in these critical forums. Authored by CEESP members and leading experts, the study highlights systemic barriers—such as limited representation, logistical challenges, and undervaluation of Indigenous knowledge—while offering actionable pathways to foster equitable and inclusive governance. This research underscores the urgent need for transformative policies that integrate Indigenous rights, knowledge, and leadership to achieve sustainable and just environmental outcomes.

"Enhancing Meaningful Indigenous Leadership and Collaboration in International Environmental Governance Forums" was co-authored in part by CEESP members Melanie Zurba, Chair of the Thematic Group on Governance, Equity, and Rights; Kevin Chang, Chair of the Thematic Group on Culture, Spirituality, and Conservation; and Ameyali Ramos Castillo, Deputy Chair of CEESP, alongside other distinguished authors including Sandie Suchet-Pearson, Ryan Bullock, Ricky Archer, Eli Enns, Pasang Dolma Sherpa, Ramiro Batzin, Osvaldo Munguia, Anastasia Papadopoulos, Bryanne Lamoureux, Charlotte Greenlees, Melika Habibi, and Ahmad Hameed. Together, they bring a wealth of diverse knowledge and experience to this groundbreaking study.
Main Findings:
- Capacity Barriers: Indigenous peoples face significant obstacles in accessing international forums due to geographic, logistical, and financial challenges. Language barriers and the need for adequate support in negotiation processes also hinder effective participation.
- Representation, Grouping and Disconnect: There is a lack of diversity and representation of Indigenous communities at local, national, and global scales. The study highlights the need for better outreach and inclusion of underrepresented regions, genders, and age groups.
- Inclusion and Exclusion: Indigenous knowledge is often undervalued compared to Western scientific knowledge. The report calls for more inclusive and equitable governance structures that recognize and integrate Indigenous perspectives.
Insights for How to Proceed in the Future: The report findings demonstrate that “meaningful” Indigenous leadership and collaboration in international governance and policy forums must include:
- Multi-directional capacity supports, capacity recognition, and adaptation of forums to meet and support the capacities of Indigenous leaders.
- Mechanisms that recognize diversity and the need for representation of Indigenous communities across geographic scales.
- Clear understandings of the impacts of knowledge hierarchies and power dynamics.
- Respect for the rights and sovereignties of Indigenous nations in policy development processes.
This research is crucial as it addresses the systemic barriers that prevent Indigenous peoples from participating meaningfully in global environmental governance. By highlighting the need for inclusive and equitable governance structures, the report provides actionable recommendations for enhancing Indigenous leadership and collaboration. This is essential for achieving sustainable and just environmental outcomes that respect and integrate Indigenous knowledge and rights.
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