UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Musical performance during the Forum. From left to right: South America, United States, South America, Australia

The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues(UNPFII) is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights. This year’s Forum deliberated on issues regarding economic and social development, indigenous women, the 2^nd International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples as well as the Arctic region. Most discussions centered on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Government and NGO representatives shared ideas and experiences regarding the empowerment of indigenous peoples and the promotion of the Declaration.

BIC delegates, Steven Gonzales (United States) and Azarnoush Dooki (Honduras) participated in a multi-cultural musical celebration organized by representatives of indigenous groups from all over the world. During the second evening of the Forum, indigenous performances dazzled as music, poetry and dance filled the air.

View interview with Steven Gonzales.