On this year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we are highlighting the role of Indigenous women in preserving and passing on traditional knowledge.

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Indigenous women are knowledge keepers of traditional food systems and medicines.

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They are champions of Indigenous languages and cultures.

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They defend the environment and Indigenous peoples’ human rights.

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To build and equitable and sustainable future that leaves no one behind, we must amplify the voices of Indigenous women.

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Indigenous traditional knowledge can offer solutions to many of our common challenges.

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On my recent visit to Suriname, I learned first-hand how Indigenous peoples are protecting their rainforest and its rich biodiversity.

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On this International Day, I call on Member States to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to promote Indigenous traditional knowledge for the benefit of all.