In Bonn, Climate Is Being Discussed – But Indigenous Peoples Are Fighting for Their Lands and Activists

Photo: UNFCCC website

From June 8 to 18, 2026, the 64th session of the subsidiary bodies of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (SB64) is taking place in Bonn, Germany.

These June meetings serve as a crucial technical and negotiating stage between major COP summits (between COP30 in Brazil and the upcoming COP31 in Turkey).

Key focuses of the Bonn session:

• Negotiations on climate finance.

• Adaptation to the effects of climate change.

• Transformation of food systems and agriculture.

• Transition from commitments to practical implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Within the framework of the 64th session of the UN climate bodies (SB64) in Bonn, Indigenous participation is organized through specialized formats, mandated dialogues, and coordination by the IWGIA (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs) working group.

The main focus in June 2026 is on the Just Transition Work Programme (UNFCCC), where Indigenous peoples are advocating for compliance with the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in climate projects.

Key events and tracks for Indigenous peoples at the session:

1. Official UNFCCC Mandated Events

• Annual LCIPP (Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform) Dialogue (UNFCCC). Dedicated to the ethical and equitable integration of Indigenous value systems and traditional knowledge into global climate models.

  
  

• Thematic Dialogue on Agriculture and Food Security within the framework of the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work (UNFCCC). Indigenous peoples present reports on sustainable natural resource management and traditional agricultural technologies.

  
  

• Expert discussions under the Baku Adaptation Roadmap (UNFCCC). Integration of local community experience to protect vulnerable ecosystems from extreme weather.

2. Preparatory and Coordination Sessions

In the run-up to and during the first days of SB64, the Indigenous Peoples' Caucus held a series of closed and open briefings to develop a unified strategy:

• Strategic positioning on climate finance: discussions on direct community access to loss and damage funds, bypassing intermediaries.

  
  

• Protection of human rights defenders: dedicated sessions on the safety of Indigenous environmental activists facing threats on the ground.

3. Side Events

International organizations such as IUCN and IWGIA are holding joint workshops on Nature-based Solutions (IUCN), where the key role is given to the autonomy of Indigenous communities as the primary custodians of the Earth's biodiversity.

Each morning at the Indigenous Peoples' Caucus in Bonn begins with a prayer and words of solidarity with Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt. Participants remind one another of the need to protect human rights defenders and Indigenous activists who are being persecuted for their civic engagement.

The event is taking place at the World Conference Centre Bonn (WCCB).

Official schedules, documents, and broadcasts are available on the UNFCCC website.

Watch the live broadcast on the UNFCCC webcast page.

IR