In 2008-2009, UNESCO is chairing the Inter-Agency Group on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues (IASG). In this capacity, the organization will host the annual meeting of the IASG from 15 to 17 September 2008, which coincides with the official visit of three members of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) at UNESCO Headquarters. The opening session of this event will take place on 15 September 2008 at 9.30a.m., in Room IV, on the theme ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Development with Culture and Identity’. Given the importance the Organization attaches to these questions, the meeting will be inaugurated by the Director-General. UNESCO staff from all sectors is welcome to attend.

Both the annual meeting of the IASG and the official visit of the UN Permanent Forum will provide an opportunity to discuss ways to advance issues related to indigenous peoples within UNESCO and in other UN agencies, notably through inter-agency collaboration.