Remarks
by
H.E. Mr. Crispin Gregoire
Special Adviser to the President of the 68th Session
of the United Nations
General Assembly
Thirteenth Session of the UN Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues
Closing Session
23 May 2014
Check
against delivery.
Madam Chairman
of the Permanent Forum
Excellencies
Distinguished
Elders and Representatives of Tribal Governments
Members of
the Permanent Forum
Representatives
of Indigenous Organizations, and Civil Society Organizations
Ladies and
Gentlemen
On
behalf of the President of the General Assembly, I wish to express our
appreciation for the invitation of the Members of the Permanent Forum for us to
address the closing session of the Thirteenth Permanent Forum on Indigenous
Issues.
There is no doubt that these last two
weeks were a very productive engagement at UN Headquarters of Indigenous
Peoples, Member States, UN agencies, and civil society. The Permanent Forum represents a formidable
part of the continuing institutionalization of the relationship between Indigenous
People and the United Nations.
We
are certain that from the many presentations and deliberations at this 13th
Forum that will advances their aspirations for a more constructive engagement
with the United Nations system, and for a clear and definitive position in the
unfolding Post-2015 Development Agenda.
Madam
Chair:
As
regards the preparatory process for the World Conference on Indigenous Issues,
I presented on 19 May the roadmap of the President for moving forward. At this juncture, we have not received the consensus
of Member States. We have however
received the support of Indigenous Peoples, and I want to convey our gratitude
to Indigenous Peoples for the flexible posture that they have demonstrated in
this challenging process.
During
the two last two weeks, the Office of the President held several meetings with
Indigenous Peoples, which ensured a profound appreciation of the views, and
wishes of the Indigenous Peoples in respect of the World Conference on
Indigenous Peoples.
The President will continue efforts
towards a basis for the consultation process that is acceptable to both
sides. In this regard, the President
will continue the dialogue with Indigenous Peoples as we go forward.
Next week, the Office of the President
will announce the way it intends to proceed towards the consultation process. We have reached the point where a meeting
with Member States, as a prelude to the consultation process, has become
indispensable.
We look forward to the understanding
and support of both Member States and Indigenous Peoples to ensure that the
World Conference is realized next September.
I thank you.
