The following is the official statement delivered by the IPAS Fund during the 24th Session of the UNPFII, under Agenda Item 5(g): Thematic Dialogue on the Financing and Participation of Indigenous Peoples across Multilateral and Regional Systems.
Pernyataan resmi Indigenous Peoples of Asia Solidarity Fund
Masyarakat Adat di Asia memainkan peran penting dalam melindungi ekosistem, mempromosikan pembangunan berkelanjutan, dan menjaga warisan budaya untuk generasi mendatang. Namun, terlepas dari kontribusi ini, kami menghadapi hambatan yang terus-menerus dan sistemik dalam mengakses sumber daya keuangan. Kurang dari 1% pendanaan iklim global mencapai komunitas Adat—dan Asia menerima porsi terkecil dari dukungan yang sudah terbatas itu, meskipun dua pertiga dari Masyarakat Adat berada di Asia.
To address this inequity, the Indigenous Peoples of Asia Solidarity Fund, or IPAS, was established in 2023. It is a groundbreaking initiative—designed and governed by and for Indigenous Peoples —to ensure resources reach those most in need. Through a governance structure across 13 countries, IPAS is addressing the barriers posed by restrictive policies, capacity constraints, and language exclusion.
Based on a baseline survey IPAS conducted, covering 433 Indigenous organizations in 13 countries across the region, there is chronic underfunding of Indigenous-led initiatives: nearly half operate without paid staff, surviving through the efforts of volunteers and local contributions. Organizations receiving grants are confronted with challenges such as donor-imposed requirements, complex reporting demands, restrictive government laws, and the absence of banking infrastructure—particularly in remote communities. IPAS is investing in capacity-building efforts to support strategic fundraising and donor compliance.
Namun, organisasi-organisasi kami menunjukkan ketahanan yang luar biasa—memobilisasi sumber daya lokal, mempertahankan inisiatif budaya, membela hak atas tanah, dan merespons perubahan iklim dengan sedikit dukungan eksternal.
Namun, kita harus bertanya: seberapa banyak lagi yang bisa kita lakukan jika didukung sumber daya yang memadai?
The survey highlights a collective funding need of over $43 million USD per year with priority areas including capacity building, legal advocacy, women’s empowerment, and climate resilience. These findings are not just data—they are a call to action.
Hari ini, kami mengajukan tiga rekomendasi mendesak:
- Support direct funding to Indigenous communities. In particular, we call upon the Green Climate Fund to take action on the establishment of a specific window for Indigenous Peoples under the fund as soon as possible as per the recommendation of the Independent Evaluation Unit. We also call upon the UNFCCC COP 30 President to fully support this urgent recommendation. IPAS offers a trusted pathway to deliver flexible, long-term, and substantial resources directly to Indigenous Peoples and their organizations in Asia. We invite donors to stand with us in reshaping financial support that honors Indigenous leadership.
- Address structural barriers. Many Indigenous organizations in Asia are restricted by laws that prevent them from receiving international funds or gaining legal recognition. We urge member states to remove these obstacles. Further, Financial access must never be weaponized against human rights defenders.
- Adapt funding requirements to Indigenous realities. Donor application formats and financial reporting processes remain inaccessible to many Indigenous organizations. Thus, donors to simplify processes and align them with Indigenous Peoples’ needs and priorities
Waktu untuk perubahan adalah sekarang. Mari kita melampaui komitmen simbolis dan membangun solidaritas sejati—dengan berinvestasi pada solusi yang dipimpin oleh Masyarakat Adat, menghancurkan hambatan menuju keadilan, dan memastikan Masyarakat Adat memiliki sumber daya untuk berkembang.
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