Presession of the Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues in Inari and UN regional consultation on enhanced participation 9.-18.2.2020

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The topic of of the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues deals with peace and security and is related to implementing the SDG16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The PFII will be held in New York in April 2020. The pression which is organized in Inari will gather all the 16 members of the Forum, nine of which come from ODA eligible countries, as well UN secretariat members. In addition, a training session on peace and reconciliation will be organized, as well as a regional consultation on enhancing the participation of indigenous peoples in connection with the presession. The implementation of organizational matters related to both meetings will be taken care by the Helsinki Deaconess Institute in coperation with Anne Nuorgam, chair of the Forum, and local indigenous organizations. Enhancing the economic and social development is in line with the Finnish development policy and the priorities of Finland's international human rights policy. The project will support the UN in enhancing the rights of indigenous peoples and developing peaceful and stable societies taking into account climate change. The projecy is funded by Finnish development cooperation funding with a sum of 95 000 euros in order to cover the travel expenses of the attendees from developing countries.