Indigenous Peoples have invaluable and critical contributions to make in addressing climate change around the world. The Tracker, the IEU evaluation, and IPAG's responses converge on a clear and urgent conclusion: while GCF support and leadership in promoting Indigenous engagement have made commendable strides, significant structural and systemic changes are still required. The establishment of a dedicated Indigenous Peoples window is not only an acknowledgment of these shortcomings but a crucial step toward ensuring real and lasting inclusion, empowerment, and partnership. Indigenous Peoples are ready to play their role; it is now essential that the GCF implements the recommendations of the Evaluation and ensures that Indigenous rights, priorities, and knowledge are fully integrated into its operations.
Without the establishment of a dedicated Indigenous Peoples’ window, the GCF risks perpetuating a cycle where Indigenous Peoples are marginalized within climate finance structures that are meant to empower them. A fundamental shift is needed to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are not only included but are key partners and actors in the fight against climate change.