ABSTRACT
Indigenous perspectives play a significant role in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which reflect a more inclusive approach than previous frameworks. The 2030 Agenda includes direct references to Indigenous peoples and aligns more closely with Indigenous worldviews by recognizing the interconnectedness of human well-being and environmental sustainability. Indigenous peoples contribute significantly to sustainable development through their traditional knowledge and practices, particularly in areas such as sustainable resource management, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. However, they are also among the most vulnerable groups and likely to be ‘left behind’ in poverty elimination efforts. Key priorities identified by Indigenous peoples for inclusion in the SDGs include recognition of collective rights, culturally sensitive policies and implementation of free, prior and informed consent for development projects. While the SDGs represent progress in incorporating Indigenous perspectives, there is still room for improvement in fully integrating Indigenous views and rights into sustainable development efforts.
