On the significant occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we stand at a critical juncture in our planet’s history. The vibrant tapestry of life that sustains us is unravelling at an alarming rate. But from the roots of ancient traditions and the heart of spiritual conviction, a powerful chorus of voices is rising. We are thrilled to invite the AIWO Africa community to an essential upcoming virtual event: “Plural Values and Shared Futures: Indigenous and Faith Contributions to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.”

This is more than just a webinar; it is a vital confluence of the world’s most profound knowledge systems. It is a space where the guardians of biocultural heritage—Indigenous peoples—and the stewards of creation from diverse faith traditions come together to chart a new path forward for humanity and for our shared home.

Understanding the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

For many in our communities, global policy frameworks can seem distant and abstract. So, what is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework? Think of it as the world’s new roadmap for saving nature. Adopted in December 2022, it is a landmark agreement where nations have committed to a set of ambitious goals to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

Crucially, for the first time in such a high-level agreement, the GBF explicitly recognizes the invaluable roles, rights, and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. It acknowledges that we cannot succeed in protecting nature without the leadership of those who have been its most effective custodians for millennia. This event is a direct exploration of how to turn that recognition into meaningful action.

The Power of Plural Values: Beyond a Single Story

The event’s theme, “Plural Values,” speaks directly to the heart of Indigenous worldviews. For too long, the global conversation about the environment has been dominated by a single, narrow perspective—one that often views nature as a set of resources to be managed, extracted, and monetized.

This dialogue seeks to dismantle that singular story. It champions the understanding that there are many ways of knowing, valuing, and relating to the natural world. For Indigenous communities across Africa and the globe, the earth is not a commodity. She is a mother, a source of life, spirituality, culture, and identity. Our lands and waters are sacred, imbued with the wisdom of our ancestors and the promise of our future generations. This event will amplify these worldviews, arguing that true sustainability can only be achieved when these diverse spiritual, cultural, and relational values are placed at the center of global policy.

Distinguished Voices, including a Champion for Africa

The panel brings together a remarkable group of leaders from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), global faith coalitions, and Indigenous communities. We are especially proud to see a powerful voice for our continent and our communities, Lucy Mulenkei, featured as a speaker. As a respected leader in the Indigenous movement in Africa, her presence ensures that the unique experiences, challenges, and profound knowledge of African Indigenous communities, particularly women, will be powerfully represented.

As Indigenous women, we are on the frontlines of the biodiversity crisis. We are the keepers of traditional seeds, the guardians of forest knowledge, and the managers of water and soil. When ecosystems are degraded, it is our food security, our health, our culture, and our livelihoods that are most immediately threatened. The participation of leaders like Lucy Mulenkei is essential to ensure that our realities inform the global strategy for a sustainable future.

Why You Should Attend

This event is a unique opportunity to:

• Learn: Gain a deeper understanding of the global plan to protect biodiversity and the critical role Indigenous peoples play within it.
• Be Inspired: Hear from global leaders who are bridging the worlds of science, policy, faith, and traditional wisdom.
• Connect: Join a global community dedicated to building a future that respects both cultural and biological diversity.
• Advocate: Equip yourself with the knowledge and inspiration to advocate for the rights of Indigenous women as key actors in conservation and sustainable development.

Let us come together to honour the spirit of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by participating in this crucial dialogue. It is a chance to reaffirm our sacred relationship with the Earth and to ensure that the wisdom passed down through our grandmothers continues to light the path toward a just, equitable, and thriving shared future.

Event Details:

• Title: Plural Values and Shared Futures: Indigenous and Faith Contributions to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
• Date: Thursday, 7 August 2025
• Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM EAT (Nairobi Time)
• Platform: Virtual Event via Microsoft Teams

Mark your calendars and prepare to join this powerful conversation. We encourage all members of our network to attend and share this invitation widely.