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UNESCO, in collaboration with UNDP and other partners, is working to ensure Indigenous Peoples participation in the UN Water Action Decade (2018–2028).

Tania Martinez Cruz of the Global Environment Facility chaired the event which featured voices from across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Key UN bodies contributed, including UN-Water, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. She noted the multi-dimensional relationship between Indigenous Peoples and water, including health, food systems and culture.

Opening the session, H.E. Leonor Zalabata Torres, Colombia’s Ambassador to the UN and an Arhuaco Indigenous leader, underscored the spiritual and practical importance of water to Indigenous communities. She highlighted the stewardship of natural resources by Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, a theme central to the 2024 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia.

Speakers from various entities emphasized the unique relationship Indigenous Peoples have with water.

“There are important linkages between human rights, Indigenous knowledge systems, languages, and the governance of freshwater systems,” noted Nigel Crawhall, Chief of Section of the Indigenous and Local Knowledge Section at UNESCO.

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, from UNPFII, highlighted how nomadic communities in Africa view water as both a source of life and a potential source of conflict, stressing the need for inclusive water governance that builds peace.

Ana Paula Lavalle Arroyo of Mexico’s UN Mission shared her country’s approach to integrating Indigenous rights and knowledge into water governance, noting constitutional protections and the importance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent.

The representative from the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) Gam Shimray, also mentioned how Indigenous communities manage water collectively, linking it to food systems, biodiversity, and sustainability 

The representative from the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC) Onkemetse Maruping-Kgari presented research on sustainable water practices and the impacts of climate change and extractive industries. He also announced the launch of a publication on Indigenous Peoples’ water management and governance in Africa.

Mona Polacca, representing the Indigenous Environmental Network, spoke of water’s spiritual and cultural significance, advocating for Indigenous leadership in global water forums like the World Water Forum.

“Indigenous Peoples need recognition and support as custodians of such key natural resources” noted UNDP’s Terence Hay-Edie highlighting initiatives involving Indigenous communities in ecosystem conservation, including Payment for Ecosystem Services. 

The link between water, soil, and ecosystem health, as well as a record Indigenous participation at UNCCD COP 16 was highlighted by Marcos Monteiro of UNCCD.

Donna Lagdemeo from the UNFCCC Secretariat said there is a convergence around water as well as Indigenous leadership on climate action. UNFCCC COP 29 brought water to a key point in international climate cooperation with the COP29 Declaration on Water for Climate Action and the Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate Action.

Finally, Naiara Chaves from UN-WATER and the UN Secretariat for Economic and Social Affairs confirmed that the United Arab Emirates and Senegal are leading the UN process to deliver a global water conference in December 2026.