First Session of the
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Secretary-General Kofi Annan, terming the first session of the Forum "historic", proclaimed to the world’s indigenous peoples, “You have a home at the United Nations.” Those peoples, he continued, had hopes, rights and aspirations that must be addressed by the Organization, as well as knowledge and skills that could help the international community in its long sought goals of development and peace.

The first session of the Forum was held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, from 12 to 24 May 2002. It was attended by Members of the Permanent Forum, representatives of Governments, United Nations bodies and intergovernmental organizations, as well as a significant number of non-governmental organizations, indigenous organizations and academic institutions.

Background and information on first meeting at UNHQ >>

View photographs from the first session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.