The meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in international trade and the processes that govern it is long overdue. It constitutes an important aspect of creating a more inclusive and sustainable trading system.

Improving the access of Indigenous businesses to trade helps them grow, scaling up their existing contributions to environmental and traditional knowledge protection and economic development in their communities. Similarly, when Indigenous Peoples are involved in economic governance, they also advocate for climate, nature, culture and community, and bring valuable expertise and knowledge on these fronts.

This session will provide an overview of the involvement of Indigenous Peoples in trade and trade policy historically and in recent years, highlighting developments like the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA), which is breaking new ground. The session will explore innovative trade and domestic policies, as well as avenues for institutional action at forums like APEC, the OECD and the WTO. Success stories of Indigenous communities benefiting from fair trade practices will be shared, alongside learnings from failed endeavours to underline the importance of revisiting strategies.