For further information contact the LCIPP team via lcipp@unfccc.int
Background
Collective Approach 1 of the Baku Workplan of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) seeks to shift the 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.
As part of the activities under Collective Approach 1, the fifth Annual Gathering of Knowledge Holders and the Annual Dialogue among Indigenous Peoples, local communities, Parties, constituted bodies, workstreams and other contributors are being convened, in conjunction with COP 30.
Through the past workplans of the LCIPP, four annual gatherings of knowledge holders have been organized to feed into annual dialogues. These gatherings brought together knowledge holders to share and promote adaptation actions that are based on and guided by the best available science, including traditional knowledge, knowledge of Indigenous Peoples, and local knowledge systems in accordance with Article 7 of the Paris Agreement.
Thematic Focus of the Gathering
The fifth annual gathering of knowledge holders will be anchored in the LCIPP annual theme: “Ambitious and just climate action rooted in holistic stewardship”, which was adopted at the 13th meeting of the FWG. Discussions will focus on holistic ambition, resilience and stewardship, transitions and future through four sharing circles:
- Sharing Circle 1: Holistic Ambition – Collective Pathways Rooted in Ancestral and Living Knowledge
- Sharing Circle 2: Holistic Resilience and Stewardship – Weaving Human Well-being, Ecosystems, and Intergenerational Responsibility
- Sharing Circle 3: Holistic Transitions - Guided by Relationships and Responsibilities and Equity
- Sharing Circle 4: Holistic Future – Nurturing Generations Through Change
Approach
The annual gathering of knowledge holders (CA1.1) provides a space to share experience, worldviews, stories and practices related to climate action. The outcomes from the gathering are presented during the annual dialogue.
Deliverables
As contained within the Collective Approach 1 of the Baku Workplan of the LCIPP, the deliverables from the annual gathering and the annual dialogue include:
- A summary report documenting the discussions at the annual gathering and the annual dialogue, including recommendations and opportunities for further engagement (Deliverable 1.4)
- A compilation of 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)
- Integrate recommendations and concrete examples 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 by the Co-leads of the Collective Approach 1, Facilitative Working Group of the LCIPP
Welcome and scene-setting presentation, including overview of Collective Approach 1 of the Baku Workplan of the LCIPP and overview of the theme of this year’s gathering
Sharing Circle 1: Holistic Ambition – Collective Pathways Rooted in Ancestral and Living Knowledge
Indigenous worldviews, values and knowledge systems and local knowledge built through long histories of interaction with nature, offer a foundation for holistic climate action. These living, adaptive systems, passed down through kinship, oral traditions, and intergenerational observation, carry holistic wisdom about land, water, and community well-being. Rooting climate solutions in such knowledge systems and values ensures that action is not only ambitious but also relational, respectful of culture and territory, and guided by the stewardship practices that have sustained communities and ecosystems for generations.
Moderated by Viacheslav Shadrin, Facilitative Working Group of the LCIPP
Questions to reflect on:
- What significant climate challenges has your region faced in the last five years and what role does Indigenous knowledge and knowledge of local communities play in addressing emerging climate events?
- In what ways can values, worldviews, intergenerational wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and knowledge of local communities strengthen national climate plans and strategies (NDCs, NAPs, national communications, etc.)?
- In what ways can Indigenous Peoples and local communities be meaningfully engaged within the IPCC so that their knowledge systems can contribute to more holistic assessments and syntheses of climate change?
Knowledge holders from different regions responds to questions (5-7 mins each):
- Djeneba Touré (Local knowledge holder, Africa)
- Gitty Yee (Local knowledge holder, Asia-Pacific)
- Maria Eugenia Choque Quispe (Indigenous knowledge holder, Central and South America, and the Caribbean)
- Michael John Mercredi (Indigenous knowledge holder, North America)
- Rande Camana Bayate (Indigenous knowledge holder, Asia)
- Raymond Minniecon (Indigenous knowledge holder, The Pacific)
- Valeriia Bolgova (Indigenous knowledge holder, Central and Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia)
Open dialogue featuring reflections on the discussion questions from other knowledge holders
Sharing Circle 2: Holistic Resilience and Stewardship – Weaving Human Well-being, Ecosystems, and Intergenerational Responsibility
Indigenous knowledge and local knowledge systems teach that resilience is holistic, grounded in the balance between human well-being, healthy ecosystems, and responsibilities to future generations. For Indigenous Peoples and local communities, climate and biodiversity are inseparable, shaping cultural practices, ways of life, and systems of stewardship. These perspectives can teach us that global processes cannot be approached in isolation, rather their synergies must be taken into consideration to create a resilient world.
Moderated by Victoria Qutuuq Buschman, Facilitative Working Group of the LCIPP
Questions to reflect on:
- What values, worldviews, intergenerational wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and knowledge of local communities can guide our understanding of holistic resilience as a balance between human well-being, nature stewardship, and responsibilities to future generations?
- Can you share any examples of Indigenous-led or local community-led stewardship, conservation, or research from your region that show how place-based knowledge contributes to meaningful climate change mitigation or adaptation?
- In what ways can Indigenous concepts and community-based solutions inspire more holistic perspectives within global climate and biodiversity frameworks, highlighting their interconnectedness?
Knowledge holders from different regions responds to questions (5-7 mins each):
- Amina Amharech (Indigenous knowledge holder, Africa)
- Khesheli Chishi (Indigenous knowledge holder, Asia)
- Lars Peter Abel Larsen Mølgård (Indigenous knowledge holder, The Arctic)
- Lavenia Naivalu (Local knowledge holder, Asia-Pacific)
- Nechei Serotetto (Local knowledge holder, Eastern Europe)
- Ruben Alonso Vasquez Vasquez (Indigenous knowledge holder, Central and South America, and the Caribbean)
- Viacheslav Kemlil (Indigenous knowledge holder, Central and Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia)
Open dialogue featuring reflections on the discussion questions from other knowledge holders
Lunch break
Sharing Circle 3: Holistic Transitions - Guided by Relationships and Responsibilities and Equity
Indigenous Peoples and local communities have emphasized that a holistic transition is not only about technological or economic shifts, but about ensuring that cultures, territories, and ways of life are respected and sustained. Such transitions place communities at the center, safeguarding collective well-being while adapting to new realities. Whether in renewable energy projects, digital tools such as AI, or emerging climate policies, transitions must be guided by stewardship values, equity, and intergenerational responsibility, so that change strengthens the bonds between people and with nature across generations.
Moderated by Agrafena Kotova, Facilitative Working Group of the LCIPP
Questions for reflect on:
- Renewable Energy and Community Rights: How can renewable energy projects and policies respect the rights, values and traditions of Indigenous Peoples and local communities while ensuring their meaningful participation?
- Technology, including Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action: In what ways can the values and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples and local communities guide the ethical development and responsible use of AI and other technologies for climate action, and how can these innovations be designed to truly empower and benefit your communities?
- Just transition and Equity: What opportunities exist for climate policies and actions to promote a just transition that ensures equity across generations and communities while advancing collective well-being?
Knowledge holders from different regions responds to questions (5-7 mins each):
- Amerkhan Varaev (Local knowledge holder, Eastern Europe)
- Dewelle Dia (Indigenous knowledge holder, Africa)
- Jadder Ivan Mendoza Lewis (Indigenous knowledge holder, Central and South America, and the Caribbean)
- Margarita Cholymay (Indigenous knowledge holder, The Pacific)
- Mohsen Soleymani (Local knowledge holder, Asia-Pacific)
- Nils Per Olaf Nutti (Indigenous knowledge holder, The Arctic)
Open dialogue featuring reflections on the discussion questions from other knowledge holders
Sharing Circle 4: Holistic Future – Nurturing Generations Through Change
Climate change is creating profound changes that often generate climate anxiety, especially among younger generations who face uncertainty about their future. Indigenous Peoples and local communities hold intergenerational knowledge and relational worldviews, amassed through stewardship practices and navigating changes with resilience and hope. By drawing on these values and traditions, communities can support mental, social, and ecological well-being, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations, as committed under Article 3 of the Convention.
Moderated by Kittisak Rattanakrajangsri, Facilitative Working Group of the LCIPP
Questions to reflect on:
- How are younger generations engaging with Indigenous knowledge and knowledge of local communities and how can their voices shape global climate discussions in ways that honour these traditions?
- In what ways can intergenerational knowledge exchange and cultural traditions support Indigenous youth and youth from local communities in coping with climate anxiety and strengthening resilience for the future?
- How can climate policies and actions embrace mental, social, and ecological well-being together, ensuring a truly holistic and sustainable future for present and future generations?
Knowledge holders from different regions responds to questions (5-7 mins each):
- Evgeniia Baigulova (Indigenous knowledge holder, Central and Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia)
- Hendrick Kuboto Kanaki (Indigenous knowledge holder, The Pacific)
- Meshurie Melembuki Mollel (Local knowledge holder, Africa)
- Naomi Paulo Lemunga (Indigenous knowledge holder, Africa)
- Rebecka Ekeland (Indigenous knowledge holder, The Arctic)
- Sokhon Chrong (Indigenous knowledge holder, Asia)
- Viktor Bank (Local knowledge holder, Eastern Europe)
Open dialogue featuring reflections on the discussion questions from other knowledge holders
Key Reflections and Takeaways from the Knowledge Holders
The session will focus on key reflections and takeaways from the sharing circles. FWG members will also provide an overview of the design of the LCIPP Annual Dialogue for Indigenous Peoples, local communities, Parties, constituted bodies and other LCIPP contributors
Moderated by the Co-leads of the Collective Approach 1, Facilitative Working Group of the LCIPP
Collective Canvas for LCIPP
Participants will build on the discussions during the 14th meeting of the FWG (FWG 14) and contribute to creating a collective canvas for the LCIPP.
Moderated by the Co-leads of the Collective Approach 1, Facilitative Working Group of the LCIPP
Closing by the Co-leads of the Collective Approach 1, Facilitative Working Group of the LCIPP
Closing Invocation (TBC)