Large allocations of funds for development cooperation are mainstreamed according to the five fundamental principles of the Paris Agenda: Ownership, Alignment, Harmonisation, Results and Mutual accountability. The objective is more efficient aid for beneficiary countries and their governments.

The principles are also guiding for Norwegian development cooperation. Nearly 80% of the Norwegian budget for development cooperation 2011 (NOK 21 bn.) is for global and multilateral initiatives. One quarter of this amount is on the budget chapters for business development/finance institutions and for climate/forestry-efforts alone. These are particular fields where adherence to the Paris Agenda may require new routines and pathways for the handling of indigenous people’s rights.

The process before and following the OECD-backed Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness (2005) has been conducted in parallel to the process before and following the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP, 2007). The development of the two may be seen as separate responses to common pre-millennium challenges.

The two trends represent very different approaches to how indigenous people’s rights are handled, both in principle and practice. The UNDRIP declares particular needs and rights of indigenous peoples. The Paris Agenda regards indigenous peoples as stakeholders in relation to general directives on human rights and social equality. Conflicting concerns may in particular arise under country-specific regulations. The establishment of the UN Indigenous Peoples’ Partnership (UNIPP) may be seen as a reaction to limitations on earmarking of funds for indigenous peoples through global and multilateral channels; banks, ILO, UNEP, private enterprises, etc., set by the Paris Agenda.

The Forum-conference 2011 will address and discuss how the two trends call for new ways of interaction with indigenous peoples: How can aid managers secure optimal results for indigenous peoples on the ground; CSOs, in bi- and multilateral cooperation? Must indigenous peoples build relations with new actors; adhere to new guidelines, and under new frame conditions? What are the best strategies to follow?

Session: New Policy Principles; Efficiency for Indigenous Peoples? Mr. Antti Korkeakivi, Chief, Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section, OHCHR, and UNIPP

Session: An Agenda for Stakeholders; Opportunities for Indigenous Peoples? Mr. Elifuraha Laltaika, Indigenous Peoples Representative, UN-REDD Programme Policy Board

Programme

Venue: University Campus, Teorifagbygget, Hus 1, Auditorium 1