Joint Statement on behalf of the Nordic Countries at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on Indigenous Peoples and climate change: articles 3, 4, 25 and 26 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Delivered by H.E. Ms. Elina Kalkku, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations on April 20th, 2026, in New York.

Thank you Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark together with Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.

We welcome the important and timely focus of today’s discussion. For our Governments, addressing the adverse effects of climate change as well as the protection and promotion of the rights of Indigenous Peoples continue to be longstanding priorities.

Indigenous Peoples’ role in sustaining ecosystems is widely recognised. At the same time, evidence shows that - around the globe - Indigenous Peoples are disporpotionately affected by climate change and biodiversity loss. The situation for Indigenous women is often worse. The Arctic region and its Indigenous Peoples are no exception.

Due to Indigenous Peoples’s traditional knowledge and close relationship with nature, they often are the first to notice signs or changes that are only later validated by scientific data. Despite this, Indigenous Peoples may not be included or even heard in discussions concerning their rights and livelihoods. This needs to change.

Chair,

The Nordic countries are strongly committed to finding sustainable solutions that protect and promote the rights of Indigenous Peoples in adaptation to climate change. Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge and sustainable use of nature should serve as a guide for finding effective solutions for sustaining resilient ecosystems. Consultations and cooperation in good faith in order to obtain free, prior, and informed consent, as recognised in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and it is key for ensuring that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected.

Indigenous Peoples must have a seat at the relevant decision-making tables, from an idea to implementation.

Let me give concrete examples from the Nordic countries.

In Finland, the Sámi Climate Council was established and tasked with producing information about climate change from the perspective of the Sámi traditional knowledge and scientific research. In Norway, The International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry has been tasked with documenting the consequences of climate change for Sami reindeer herders. In Greenland, the government acceded the Paris agreement in 2024 and is preparing a national climate strategy. The work is carried out in collaboration with citizens, businesses, and civil society organisations, to ensure that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are promoted and protected in the process.

Situations may vary, but the responsibility to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples in combatting harmful effects of the climate change is common.

Through decades, governance structures have been developed in the Nordic countries to allow Indigenous Peoples to lead and be the focus of research as regards climate change. We wish to share our experiences and support others to develop their own models.

We look forward to engaging with Indigenous Peoples and all relevant stakeholders present here at this Forum.

Thank you.