Events

Indigenous Economic Autonomy for a Sustainable Future

May 29-30, 2025
World Bank, C Building C1-450, Washington DC. And, via Zoom
Two indigenous women walking

Indigenous economic autonomy is essential to the long-term sustainability and selfdetermination of Indigenous Peoples. For generations, indigenous communities have developed economic systems rooted in reciprocity, redistribution, complementarity, and collective well-being. These systems preserve cultural heritage while fostering local resilience, social equity, and economic autonomy.

Despite their strengths, indigenous economic models often face systemic barriers that limit their growth and sustainability, including lack of access to finance for business growth. This two-day global conference will offer a platform for knowledge exchange, dialogue, and collaboration among indigenous leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, and development practitioners.

Where: World Bank, C Building C1-450, Washington DC.

Via Zoom:  May 29 | Register here 

                    May 30 | Register here 

Time: 9:00 A.M. Washington, DC Time 

 

Indigenous economic autonomy is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability and self-determination of indigenous peoples. For generations, indigenous peoples have developed economic systems rooted in reciprocity, redistribution, complementarity, environmental stewardship, and collective well-being1. These systems not only preserve cultural heritage but also play an important role in safeguarding ecosystems essential for achieving well-being. However, indigenous peoples often face systemic barriers that undermine their capacity to maintain and expand these autonomous economic models.

In this context, knowledge exchange among indigenous peoples is crucial for fostering both indigenous business growth and economic autonomy. This conference provides a platform for sharing global strategies and lessons learned, enabling indigenous peoples to share their unique knowledge, develop solutions based on proven models, and adapt them to their specific contexts, while fostering solidarity and collective progress. Through this collaborative approach, capacity-building is strengthened, and the interconnected roles of economic autonomy, indigenous governance and business climate are reinforced.

The conference aims to promote indigenous leadership in economic development by fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and building collaborative networks. This event will bring together indigenous leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, and experts from around the world to explore pathways for strengthening Indigenous economic systems and securing financial autonomy.

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