The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held its first session in 2002. It is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council and is mandated to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights. The Permanent Forum is also mandated to, inter alia, promote coordination of
activities related to indigenous issues across the United Nations system.

More specifically, the Permanent Forum:

• provides expert advice and recommendations on Indigenous issues to the Council, as well as to programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations, through ECOSOC;
• raises awareness and promotes the integration and coordination of activities related to Indigenous issues within the UN system;
• prepares and disseminates information on Indigenous issues;
• promotes respect for and full application of the provisions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and follow up the effectiveness of this Declaration (Art. 42 UNDRIP).