Elevating voices of Indigenous Peoples – including here at the UN – has never been more important. Global challenges in climate change, health, peace and security, trade and inclusive economic development compels our international community to look to the expertise and leadership of the world’s Indigenous Peoples.

Australia remains steadfast in our support for Indigenous Peoples’ participation in UN meetings and forums on issues that affect them. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognises that it is the responsibility of all UN agencies and organs to establish methods of Indigenous participation.

Despite the UNDRIP being adopted by the General Assembly in 2007, Indigenous Peoples’ calls for participation in the UN have not been resolved. Following the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples in 2014, Indigenous Peoples around the world have formally re-engaged with States to seek greater recognition, and the right to participate in global discussions on matters which affect them.

We support Indigenous Peoples in their call to establish a unique category for their participation in the UN system that is inclusive and accounts for the diversity of Indigenous Peoples across the globe. We must also ensure the full, effective and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples, including those with intersecting identities – Indigenous women, Indigenous persons living with disabilities, and Indigenous LGBTI persons – in procedures and processes of the UN that affect them.

We call on States to work together on a robust, accessible, and transparent mechanism which opens the door for Indigenous participation across the UN.

Australia is proud to be one of the key contributors to the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples. We implore other States to support enhanced Indigenous participation and the full implementation of the principles of UNDRIP.

We are determined to see the perspectives of First Nations Australians at the heart of Australian foreign policy. Australia’s foreign policy should reflect our full identity: our modern diversity and the rich heritage and ongoing culture of First Nations Australians. This means embedding the perspectives, experiences, and practices of First Nations Australians into our foreign policy. We will appoint an Ambassador for First Nations Peoples and establish an Office of First Nations Engagement that will actively include and advance the interests of First Nations Australians in international affairs.

Australia is proud to be advancing a First Nations foreign policy agenda. As part of this, we will strengthen support for Indigenous Peoples to participate in the UN and to promote and protect the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples globally. We will maximise the trade and investment opportunities that deliver tangible benefits for First Nations Australians.  And we will value and draw on experiences and ties of First Nations Australians to enhance our engagement to address shared challenges – health, climate change, gender equality – in our region and globally.

Thank you.