Apply for UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples is accepting applications from Indigenous representatives to participate in COP31 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 15th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights. Selected participants will receive financial support covering travel, accommodation, and related expenses, enabling Indigenous voices to contribute to international discussions on climate change, business, human rights, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

About the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples supports the effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in key United Nations meetings and human rights mechanisms.

For the 2026 funding round, the Fund will assist Indigenous representatives in attending two major international events:

• COP31 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• 15th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights

The initiative aims to strengthen Indigenous participation in global decision-making processes while promoting the recognition and protection of Indigenous rights.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Strengthen Indigenous participation in United Nations processes.
• Support Indigenous engagement in international climate negotiations.
• Increase Indigenous representation in discussions on business and human rights.
• Enhance advocacy at local, national, regional, and international levels.
• Strengthen community-led policy engagement.

Focus Areas

Applications should relate to one or more of the following areas:

• Indigenous Peoples’ rights
• Climate change
• UNFCCC negotiations
• Business and human rights
• Human rights advocacy
• Environmental justice
• Indigenous participation in global governance
• Climate policy
• Community representation
• Sustainable development
• Indigenous leadership
• International advocacy

Supported United Nations Meetings

COP31 – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

• Dates: 9–20 November 2026
• Location: Antalya, Türkiye

15th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights

• Dates: 23–25 November 2026
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Funding Information

Selected participants will receive financial assistance covering:

• Travel expenses
• Accommodation
• Daily subsistence allowance
• Other eligible participation-related expenses

The support is intended to remove financial barriers to participation in these United Nations meetings.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be an Indigenous individual or representative of an Indigenous Peoples’ organization.
• Be actively involved in advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Demonstrate how participation will benefit their community or organization.
• Require financial assistance to attend the selected meeting.

The programme particularly encourages applications from:

• Indigenous persons with disabilities.
• Indigenous 2SLGBTIQ+ persons.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Representation of Indigenous communities or organizations.
• A clear mandate from the applicant’s community or organization.
• Experience in Indigenous rights advocacy.
• Relevance of work related to Indigenous human rights.
• Expected impact of participation on future advocacy and policy engagement.
• Previous participation in consultations or advocacy initiatives.
• Demonstrated financial need where no alternative funding is available.

Programme Benefits

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• Financial support for international travel.
• Accommodation during the meeting.
• Daily subsistence allowance.
• Opportunities to engage with global policymakers.
• Networking with Indigenous leaders from around the world.
• Participation in high-level United Nations discussions.
• Increased visibility for Indigenous community priorities.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you:

• Identify as an Indigenous person or officially represent an Indigenous Peoples’ organization.
• Are actively engaged in Indigenous rights advocacy.
• Require financial assistance.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Include information demonstrating:

• Your role within your community or organization.
• Your advocacy experience.
• Your mandate or authorization to represent your community.
• How participation will strengthen Indigenous advocacy.
• Your financial need.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the application according to the programme requirements before the deadline.

Step 4: Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed against the published selection criteria, including representation, advocacy experience, anticipated impact, and financial need.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Indigenous Peoples play a vital role in protecting biodiversity, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable development. Their participation in international decision-making helps ensure that Indigenous knowledge, rights, and perspectives are reflected in global policies.

By supporting attendance at major United Nations meetings, the programme strengthens Indigenous leadership and promotes more inclusive international governance.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain their connection to their Indigenous community.
• Demonstrate active involvement in Indigenous rights initiatives.
• Describe how attending the meeting will benefit their community.
• Highlight previous advocacy or consultation experience.
• Explain why financial support is necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Providing insufficient evidence of community representation.
• Failing to explain the expected impact of participation.
• Omitting information about financial need.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Not demonstrating experience related to Indigenous rights or advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples?

It is a United Nations funding mechanism that supports Indigenous representatives’ participation in important UN meetings and human rights processes.

2. Which meetings are covered under this call?

The programme supports participation in COP31 of the UNFCCC (9–20 November 2026, Antalya, Türkiye) and the 15th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights (23–25 November 2026, Geneva, Switzerland).

3. What financial support is provided?

Selected participants receive a subsistence allowance covering travel, accommodation, and other eligible participation-related expenses.

4. Who can apply?

Indigenous individuals and representatives of Indigenous Peoples’ organizations who actively promote Indigenous rights and require financial assistance are eligible to apply.

5. Are certain applicants encouraged to apply?

Yes. Applications from Indigenous persons with disabilities and Indigenous 2SLGBTIQ+ persons are particularly encouraged.

6. How are applications evaluated?

Selection is based on community representation, advocacy experience, relevance to Indigenous rights, expected impact, previous engagement in advocacy processes, and demonstrated financial need.

7. Why is participation in these UN meetings important?

Participation enables Indigenous representatives to influence international discussions on climate change, business, human rights, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights while strengthening advocacy for their communities.

Conclusion

The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples provides an important opportunity for Indigenous representatives to participate in global discussions on climate change, business and human rights, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights. By covering travel, accommodation, and related expenses, the programme helps ensure that Indigenous voices contribute meaningfully to international policymaking and strengthens advocacy efforts that benefit Indigenous communities worldwide.