Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts and representatives from all seven sociocultural regions of the world gathered today for the opening ceremony of the fourth annual meeting of the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food and Knowledge Systems.
Hosted in two Sámi nomadic tents, or Lavvus, an Indigenous Peoples’ territory has been created at the heart of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters. Taking place during the week of World Food Day and the World Food Forum, the Global-Hub meeting will bring together Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge holders, leaders, experts and researchers to exchange experiences, co-create knowledge and strengthen the role of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and science in shaping responses to today’s global challenges.
Opening the ceremony, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu acknowledged the shared history and ancestral connections that link all people to Indigenous Peoples. Reflecting on the role of the Global-Hub, he described its participants as humble intermediaries, helping to pass on knowledge from one generation to the next.
The Director-General also encouraged participants to learn from Indigenous Peoples and continue working alongside them to build a better future, while also expressing his appreciation to the partners and supporters whose contributions make this annual gathering possible.
The proceedings began with a spiritual ceremony, followed by the Lighting of the fire with Chief Deskaheh of the Haudenosaunee Nation.
María José Pinto, the Vice President of Ecuador delivered remarks highlighting the significance of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, cultures and traditions in the country, sharing examples of their contributions.
Also participating were Oscar Mario Justiniano, Minister for Sustainable Development, Environment and Water of Bolivia, Gita Chaudhary, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development of Nepal, as well as government representatives from Guatemala, Ireland, Panama and South Africa.
Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, and Pieternel Boogaard, Managing Director of the Office of Technical Delivery at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), were also among the participants.
Anders Oskal of the Sámi people and Executive Director of the World Reindeer Herders Association, Valmaine Toki of the Māori people and Chair of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Chief Wilton Littlechild of the Cree nation in Canada, took part in the opening ceremony, affirming the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and expertise.
Since its establishment in 2018, the Global-Hub has evolved into a leading strategic think-tank on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, bringing together 40 organizations and institutions, 5 international research networks with over 250 experts. Its work is centered on the intercultural co-creation of knowledge to inform policy discussions based on evidence, recognizing Indigenous Peoples as key and effective partners in achieving food security for all.
The White/Wiphala Paper, published in 2021, highlights the lessons that can be drawn from Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and has become a key resource in shaping policy discourse globally. Building on this foundation, the 2026 expert meeting will officially launch the White/Te Oranga Paper on Indigenous Peoples – Overcoming non-inclusive rural transformation, which will further advance the evidence base for Indigenous Peoples-led policymaking.
Celebrations and session highlights
Marking the one-year anniversary of the HOPE Room – a space within the Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (MuNe) entirely dedicated to Indigenous Peoples, where they can share their stories on their own terms – a special event will take place during the 2026 Global-Hub meeting to reaffirm FAO’s commitment to honoring Indigenous Peoples’ contributions, knowledge and histories.
Each day of the week will be dedicated to specific topics relevant to Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems. These will touch upon Science and Innovation; Vulnerability and Prosperity; Biocentric Restoration and Conservation; Mobility and Nutrition.
In addition, the programme features several Exchanges of Knowledge, such as Biocentrism for Indigenous Peoples in the context of climate change and the rights of nature, and on Indigenous Peoples as rights and knowledge holders in the context of the 20th Anniversary of UNDRIP.
During the Global-Hub, a dynamic programme of events, talks, advocacy and cultural activities is set to amplify Indigenous Peoples’ voices and demonstrate the vitality of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge systems on a global stage. Each evening, Indigenous Peoples’ leaders and country representatives will come together around a burning hearth for the “country reflections”, while five Indigenous chefs will prepare a dinner each night, accompanied by music and cultural showcases.
