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Indigenous Peoples have stewarded water sources since time immemorial, managing freshwater systems across diverse ecological zones with values rooted in sustainability, intergenerational knowledge, and spiritual meaning. Their knowledge systems offer practical and ethical foundations for safeguarding water in a rapidly changing climate. Yet these contributions are often overlooked in global water governance and climate policy.

The UN declared 2018–2028 the Water Action Decade (resolution 71/222), initially lacking a clear process to engage Indigenous Peoples. This is changing, with growing efforts to include Indigenous perspectives, especially ahead of the Decade’s Mid-Term Review.

Held during the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), this event aims to center Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, rights and governance systems in the dialogue around the future of water. With participation from Indigenous leaders, UN entities and national representatives, the session focuses on freshwater access, safety, rights, and sustainable governance.

It will draw on major global milestones including the Dushanbe Water Process, the 2023 UN Water Conference, and the COP29 Declaration on Water for Climate Action. It aims to help pave the way for Indigenous Peoples’ active engagement in the 2026 UN Water Conference to be held in Abu Dhabi.

It also contributes to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 9th Strategic Plan of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), advocating for integrated approaches that unite scientific and Indigenous knowledge systems.

The event is organized by UNESCO in cooperation with UNDP and the Secretariats of the UNFCCC, UNCCD, and UN Water. Interpretation will be available in English, French and Spanish.

• Climate change impacts on water cycles and Indigenous-led efforts to protect and sustainably manage freshwater sources—groundwater, surface water, wetlands, rainwater, glacial melts—and sacred water sites.
• Links between water, biodiversity, food systems, public health, and Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. The 2025 International Year of Glaciers' Preservation and 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists highlight the need for resilient water governance in traditionally pastoral territories.

Contact: Nigel Crawhall and Khalissa Ikhlef, UNESCO’s Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) programme 

Email: links@unesco.org