Enabling Indigenous Trade 2025

of the total global population is comprised of Indigenous People.6.2%Current landscape Indigenous People comprise 6.2% (around 476.6 million) of the total global population. Most (approximately 70%) live in the Asia-Pacific region, but their economic circumstances vary widely.1 They are predominantly engaged in agriculture (55%), with market services (including trade, transport, accommodation, food and administrative services) being the next most significant sector (17%).2 Nearly three-quarters of all Indigenous People live in rural and remote areas – which is a key trade barrier (for example, remote Indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs] in Canada were 65% less likely to export3) – but regional differences are significant, from 31% living rurally in North America to 82% in Africa.4 Indigenous People face disproportionate poverty, with nearly 19% of all people living on less than $1.90 a day being from Indigenous communities.5 Indigenous women face further disparities, contending not only with economic challenges but also with gender-based violence and discrimination, exacerbating their already marginalized position within society as Indigenous. Indigenous communities are engaged in a protracted process of reclaiming their histories, knowledge and economic destinies, driven by a deep desire to exercise self-determination in line with their minimum basic rights as set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). They fulfil a crucial role in protecting biodiversity and maintaining the ecological balance of their ancestral lands, a factor increasingly relevant in sustainable-trade contexts. Despite Indigenous Peoples’ significant environmental contributions, the promotion of major infrastructure projects as development initiatives continues to threaten the ecosystems and biodiversity they have spent thousands of years nurturing and defending. Further, they are often displaced, their lands contaminated and their livelihoods and cultures destroyed due to this form of trade and investment-related activity. Given the critical role of Indigenous Peoples in climate action and biodiversity preservation, there is an urgent need to actively involve them in global trade discussions. This involvement is essential to rectify the long- standing economic inequities and environmental damage caused by harmful trade practices, ensuring that international trade agreements are people- and planet-friendly and responsive to the challenges posed by the global climate crisis. Harnessing opportunities Indigenous entrepreneurialism is experiencing growth through the implementation of a diverse range of trade and economic measures at the local, national and international levels. These measures encompass: government policies and programmes; initiatives led by Indigenous communities, civil society and international organizations; and joint ventures, partnerships and collaborations between business and Indigenous entities. While some Indigenous People recognize the potential benefits of participating in international trade, others remain sceptical as to whether current frameworks genuinely serve their interests. As a result, there is a general preference for re-establishing inter- Indigenous trade relationships alongside modern trade pathways. The types of measures adopted to support Indigenous trade aspirations vary widely. These include improved processes – such as regular consultation and the creation of Indigenous advisory groups – as well as relevant provisions in trade agreements, such as carve-outs, general exceptions and standalone chapters. Additionally, efforts have been made in areas such as business and export capacity-building, business financing, trade missions and digital capability partnerships. Inclusive trade policies, processes and practices present a significant opportunity for economic advances within Indigenous economies, which, in turn, can contribute to a country’s national economy. Achieving this requires addressing both substantive and procedural issues. In pursuit of this goal, various Indigenous representatives have suggested the following areas for achieving impact: –Implementing effective and inclusive consultation processes where the design and delivery is co- decided with the Indigenous People affected by the proposed measures. This can be achieved through multistakeholder approaches or by guaranteeing Indigenous representation within decision-making trade committees. –Transforming mindsets among policy-makers and trade negotiators to recognize and respect the distinct languages, cultures, customs, laws, political structures and economic asset bases of Indigenous Peoples, which underpin their unique status as equal partners in trade processes and their right to self-determination. While the discussion of rights remains central to many Indigenous communities, it is equally important to highlight the value of creating economic opportunities that not only honour these rights but also generate benefits for all. –Valuing Indigenous knowledge means recognizing that Indigenous perspectives on sustainability and inclusivity offer holistic approaches and practices, developed and refined over thousands of generations. These insights can significantly enrich mainstream conceptions and are particularly valuable in addressing pressing global challenges such as environmental degradation, gender inequality and the equitable distribution of scarce resources. –Establishing mechanisms that support, enable and encourage Indigenous economic empowerment across borders can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and successful capacity- building models while also identifying and learning from programmes that have been less effective. Enabling Indigenous Trade: Actionable Guidance for Governments 6