For further information contact the LCIPP team via lcipp@unfccc.int
As set out in the Baku Workplan of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP), Collective Approach 1 seeks to shift global climate change discussions under the UNFCCC process to incorporate the values, worldviews, intergenerational wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and knowledge of local communities, thus fostering a profound connection with nature. It also aims to enhance global climate action by elevating the recommendations, practical examples and insights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, emphasizing their climate leadership and nature stewardship.
The Facilitative Working Group (FWG) of the LCIPP will convene the Annual Gathering of Knowledge Holders and the Annual Dialogue among Indigenous Peoples, local communities, Parties, constituted bodies, workstreams and other contributors in conjunction with COP 31, as part of the activities under Collective Approach 1.
This is the second annual gathering and dialogue under the Baku Workplan, but will be referred to as the sixth to reflect all annual gatherings and dialogues held under the LCIPP to date. The outcomes from each annual gathering are presented during the corresponding annual dialogue.
At its 15th meeting, the FWG adopted the 2026 LCIPP annual theme: “Advancing holistic climate action through kinship, balance and collective well-being, rooted in cultural heritage, lived realities and diverse knowledge systems,” which will guide the focus areas of the gathering. Four sharing circles will explore:
- Sharing Circle 1: Lived Realities - Experiencing Climate Impacts and Transitions across Communities and Ways of Life;
- Sharing Circle 2: Balance and Diverse Knowledge Systems - Weaving Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Systems across Generations;
- Sharing Circle 3: Collective Well-Being - Grounding Climate Action in Health and Other Community Priorities; and
- Sharing Circle 4: Kinship and Living Ecosystems - Guiding Collective Progress through Relationality and Care.
The annual dialogue for Indigenous Peoples, local communities, Parties, constituted bodies, workstreams and other contributors (CA1.2) focuses on incorporating diverse knowledge systems and values into strengthening the collective response to climate change and restoring the integrity of nature.
As set out under Collective Approach 1 of the Baku Workplan of the LCIPP, the mandated deliverables from the annual gathering and the annual dialogue include:
- Produce a summary report documenting the discussions at the annual gathering and the annual dialogue, including recommendations and opportunities for further engagement (Deliverable 1.4);
- Compile case stories in diverse formats to feed into the work of relevant constituted bodies and work under relevant UNFCCC workstreams, as appropriate and in accordance with their respective mandates (Deliverable 1.5); and
- Integrate recommendations and concrete examples (from deliverables 1.4–1.5) into relevant work of key constituted bodies and UNFCCC workstreams, in line with the annual theme selected by the FWG (Deliverable 1.6).
Opening Invocation (TBC)
Opening
- Welcome remarks by the Facilitative Working Group of the LCIPP
- Opening remarks by COP 31 Presidency (TBC)
Exchange Spaces to advance holistic climate action grounded in kinship, balance and collective well-being (TBC)
This session will build directly on the four sharing circles held during the Annual Gathering of Knowledge Holders. It will be organized as four exchange spaces, each dedicated to one of the topics of the sharing circles:
- Sharing Circle 1: Lived Realities - Experiencing Climate Impacts and Transitions across Communities and Ways of Life
- Sharing Circle 2: Balance and Diverse Knowledge Systems - Weaving Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Systems across Generations
- Sharing Circle 3: Collective Well-Being - Grounding Climate Action in Health and Other Community Priorities
- Sharing Circle 4: Kinship and Living Ecosystems - Guiding Collective Progress through Relationality and Care
The four exchange spaces will take place consecutively, with each following the same format:
- Key takeaways: Co-leads/knowledge holders of the respective sharing circle will present the key takeaways from the discussion.
- Invited interventions (TBC): Invited representatives of Parties, relevant constituted bodies and UNFCCC workstreams will reflect on the key takeaways and how these can be incorporated into their respective work.
- Interventions from the floor: The floor will then be opened to Parties, relevant constituted bodies, UNFCCC workstreams and other LCIPP contributors for further interventions.
The session will conclude with a plenary reflection bringing together the key messages and collective outcomes emerging across the four exchange spaces, enabling dialogue across all participants and ensuring that the wisdom shared contributes directly to the broader UNFCCC process.
Closing
- Reflections and next steps by an FWG representative
Closing Invocation (TBC)