Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th session of the General Assembly

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Informal interactive dialogue with Indigenous Peoples  

20 April 2023

   (As delivered)  

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Chair,

Indigenous representatives,

Excellencies,

Friends,

Once again, let me thanks Brennen Ferguson of the Tuscarora Nation for his beautiful words and beautiful welcome.    

We have waited a long time to convene this third interactive hearing.

We are not only picking up a conversation that started in the seventy-first session of the General Assembly and was postponed due to the pandemic.

We are revisiting a cause brought before the League of Nations 100 years ago by Chief Cayuga Deskaheh.

The Chief travelled to Geneva representing the Six Nations in Canada to advocate for their rights to live freely on their lands, to practice their religion and to follow their own law.

In 1923, his requests were denied. The door was closed in what he called “cruel indifference.”

Since this sad chapter, the United Nations has gradually opened the door – and broadened the participation of Indigenous Peoples in its work.

We are here today to continue building on these efforts and fulfil promises made in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, recognizing participation not only as a right, but also as a valuable contribution to work at the UN

And two, in the 2014 outcome document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, to organize consultations on enabling participation of indigenous peoples’ representatives and institutions in relevant UN meetings.

I am convinced that no government has a monopoly on wisdom.

It is essential that, throughout the negotiation processes, we should consider the views of Indigenous Peoples.

Particularly when it comes to managing natural resources, preserving cultural and religious values, and taking decisions effecting the lives of Indigenous communities.

While Member States are the decision-makers as an inter-governmental organization, Indigenous Peoples have an opportunity to significantly shape those decisions.

Yet, we need to answer critical questions of access and participation that have eluded those before us and made the United Nations a difficult place to navigate, and I have to acknowledge that difficulty.

The discussions used to turn around the following issues:

  • Who is indigenous?
  • Who decides who is an Indigenous representative for the purpose of United Nations accreditation?
  • How to apply the principle of regional balance, including with existing sociocultural regions?
  • In which bodies should Indigenous Peoples participate – and how?

I acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples are not always organized as NGOs – and that is an issue which can give rise to confusion for some.

As Indigenous Peoples, you express yourselves in great diversity – as federations, autonomous governments, parliaments, and community-based decision-making bodies.

While some Member States formally recognize these institutions, others may not.

In some cases you might even be part of the Governments. Or, I know some, you might even lead national Governments.

I take note of the 2020 outcome of the Dialogue Meeting in Quito to establish a coordinating body of indigenous representatives.

I invite all participants today to reflect on innovative and appropriate ways in which indigenous peoples’ right to participate can be respected and enhanced.

Greater participation will only augment the legitimacy of decisions adopted at the United Nations – and assist Member States in their implementation.

But we may not limit our discussions today to the issues of access.

The issue is not only about the participation, the big take is how to contribute to the transformation of this world that we all need.

In the wise words of the Dakota, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave”.

It is my hope that we do our part today to close regretful chapters of history and begin writing a new chapter – one of rightful participation and inclusion, and shared wisdom.

I am here to listen – and to help turn the page.

We are, after all, in the House of “we the peoples.” The first three words of the UN Charter.

Let us ensure the UN lives up to its ideals to its Charter and to the notion of leaving no one behind.

Thank you very much.