COP29 took a significant step toward strengthening the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in global climate governance by adopting the Baku Workplan and renewing the mandate of the Facilitative Working Group (FWG) of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP). This decision emphasizes how crucial integrating various cultural values and knowledge systems into climate policy and initiatives is.
Moreover, the Baku Workplan expands upon the FWG’s accomplishments, which have been crucial in promoting cooperation between local communities, governments, and Indigenous leaders. It blends traditional and scientific knowledge into climate solutions, fosters knowledge exchange, and improves engagement capacities. The plan, created by consensus, provides specific tactics to strengthen Indigenous leadership in the fight against climate change.
Newly appointed FWG members will conduct a priority-setting session, after which they will implement the workplan in 2025. This strategy maintains continuity while developing a cooperative framework that honours the distinctive contributions of local communities and Indigenous Peoples.
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Addressing Barriers to Participation
The FWG’s 2024 report identified key challenges that hinder Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ full and effective participation in UNFCCC processes. These barriers include language limitations and misaligned timelines for membership transitions, which often disrupt strategic continuity.
COP29 has asked for actions to improve inclusion and solve these issues. To represent the linguistic diversity of participants, nations are urged to offer simultaneous interpretation into non-UN languages. Staggered FWG membership tenure will also facilitate seamless transitions between workplan phases and aid in preserving institutional expertise.
Furthermore, the Baku Workplan will implement a gender-responsive and collaborative approach, with a progress review scheduled for 2027. This review will pave the way for developing the next LCIPP work plan for 2028–2031. COP29 has laid the groundwork for sustained and inclusive engagement in climate action by ensuring a forward-looking strategy.