Tebtebba and Elatia continue its efforts to realize indigenous peoples’ rights and sustainable, self-determined development (IPSSDD). Underpinned by respect, protection and fulfillment of indigenous peoples’ rights, IPSSDD integrates indigenous peoples’ territorial management, promotes indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge and appropriate and relevant modern scientific knowledge, supports gender equity, and ensures intergenerational and interculturality.

Achieving SDG Goal 16 “Peace, justice and strong institutions” in a meaningful and inclusive manner is fully aligned with the spirit and intent of IPSSDD.

Tebtebba and Elatia has through the years, undertaken several initiatives that help build empowered, resilient communities and strong indigenous peoples’ institutions. These efforts range from capacity development of indigenous leaders, including indigenous women and youth, supporting communities to protect, assert and manage their lands, territories and resources, develop their traditional sustainable livelihoods, to creating spaces and platforms where indigenous peoples’ organizations are able to dialogue meaningfully with states, the UN, donor agencies and other actors.

This side event will share experiences, lessons and recommendations to achieving SDG16.


Spanish interpretation would be available.

the executive director of the Indigenous Livelihood Enhancement Partners (ILEPA), Kenya, shall discuss their experiences in building strong indigenous communities and organizations and how these efforts are leading towards achieving justice for the Maasai communities (e.g., landgrabbing cases, etc).

the executive director of Maleya Foundation, Bangladesh, shall share their efforts on peace and conflict transformation between indigenous peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the government and other actors.

Project Manager of the Center for Indigenous Cultures of Peru (CHIRAPAQ), Peru

the Training Coordinator of the Elatia IPSSDD Training Institute, shall provide insights on how capacity development for indigenous peoples, including indigenous women and youth, is creating impacts in building strong indigenous organizations and enhancing advocacy of indigenous peoples.

the project coordinator of the Indigenous Navigator Philippines, shall speak on how the Indigenous Navigator project in the Philippines is creating opportunities for indigenous peoples in SDG implementation.

the Former UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, former Chair of the UNPFII, and executive director of Tebtebba, shall provide her views and recommendations on achieving SGD16 in a meaningful and inclusive manner for indigenous peoples.