Statement
Secretary-General's message to the 12th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues [delivered by Mr. Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs]
New York, 20 May 2013
I am pleased to send greetings to all those gathered for the 12th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
This year, your deliberations will place special emphasis on the implementation of the Permanent Forum’s recommendations on health, education and culture.
We must treasure, reflect and protect the rich heritage and value systems of indigenous peoples, starting with education. We must also do more to improve the availability of health care services to indigenous peoples, while respecting traditions. And in all we do, we must have a better understanding of the views and values of indigenous peoples by engaging them in decision-making and providing a platform for issues affecting their lives and livelihoods.
As we intensify action to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in less than 1,000 days and as Member States begin to define a post-2015 development agenda, we must work to ensure that all our development efforts address the priorities and vision of indigenous peoples, in keeping with their identity and culture. Let us also work together to help make next year’s World Conference on Indigenous Peoples a success.
Once again, thank you for joining forces to address these and other challenges.
I wish you all the best in your deliberations.
Statements on 20 May 2013
- New York, 20 May 2013 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Madagascar
- Maputo, Mozambique, 20 May 2013 - Secretary-General's remarks at roundtable event on the Millennium Development Goals and Post-2015 Development Agenda [as prepared for delivery]
- Geneva, Switzerland, 20 May 2013 - Secretary-General's message to the World Health Assembly [delivered by Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva]