(1st meeting) Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues…

• Opening of the session - Item 1: Election of officers - Item 2: Adoption of the agenda and organization of work

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is a high- level advisory body to the Economic and Social Council. The Forum was established on 28 July 2000 by resolution 2000/22, with the mandate to deal with indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.

More specifically, the Permanent Forum:

• provides expert advice and recommendations on indigenous issues to the Council, as well as to programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations, through ECOSOC;
• raises awareness and promotes the integration and coordination of activities related to indigenous issues within the UN system;
• prepares and disseminates information on indigenous issues;
• promotes respect for and full application of the provisions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and follow up the effectiveness of this Declaration (Art. 42 UNDRIP).