As one of the most important global gatherings of Indigenous Peoples, the UNPFII's annual sessions present a valuable opportunity to inform and engage key Indigenous stakeholders, as well as representatives from UN Member States and other UN agencies.

The UN-REDD Programme side event, entitled "FPIC for REDD+: Emerging Lessons from the UN-REDD Programme" was held on 16 May, 2012. Updates on the Programme’s work on FPIC at the national and global levels were presented during a panel session that included representatives from the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The latest progress on and content of the draft UN-REDD Programme Guidelines on FPIC was presented. Additionally, the event showcased early work on FPIC and lessons learned from the Asia-Pacific region that were shared during a recent Regional Information Exchange on Free, Prior and Informed Consent held in Indonesia, citing specific examples from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Joan Carling, Executive Director of AIPP, reflected on the process that the UN-REDD Programme has followed to develop the Guidelines and how it incorporated Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives. Ms. Carling underscored the value of this process and pilot activities under the UN-REDD Programme in practically tackling the operational challenges of FPIC. Albert Barume, Senior Specialist at ILO overseeing implementation of ILO Convention 169, presented lessons learned through the body of experience under ILO Convention I69. He also noted the opportunity that REDD+ presented to further progress in implementing ILO Convention 169 and FPIC more specifically.

You can access the presentations from the side event here.