Tanzania secures seat on UN forum for Indigenous issues
Executive Director of the Pastoralists Indigenous Non-Governmental Organisations (PINGO's), Edward Porokwa, dressed in a white shirt.
What you need to know:
- The Executive Director of the Pastoralists Indigenous Non-Governmental Organisations (PINGO's) Forum, Edward Porokwa, has been appointed to serve a three-year term on the forum starting in January 2026.
Arusha. Tanzania has secured a seat on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), marking a major milestone in its global recognition and representation of Indigenous communities.
The Executive Director of the Pastoralists Indigenous Non-Governmental Organisations (PINGO's) Forum, Edward Porokwa, has been appointed to serve a three-year term on the forum starting in January 2026.
Porokwa is one of eight new global appointees and will represent one of two African seats on the forum—the other going to Amina Amharech of Morocco.
Most regions are typically granted only one seat, making Africa’s dual representation a significant development.
Based in Arusha, Porokwa is a long-serving advocate for Indigenous rights, with over two decades of work focusing on land rights, cultural preservation, and policy reform. His efforts have consistently highlighted the importance of Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and autonomy.
“Africa has been given special consideration by being granted two seats, while other regions have one seat each,” Porokwa said following his appointment. “What Indigenous peoples seek is simple: recognition of their rights, and respect for their ancestral land and traditions.”
The appointments were made under the UN resolution that established the Permanent Forum and mandated the President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to appoint experts nominated by Indigenous Peoples’ Organisations.
Following consultations and a rigorous review of qualifications, ECOSOC President Bhree Bob Rae announced the appointments for the 2026–2028 term.
Alongside Porokwa and Amharech, new members include Aluki Kotierk (Canada – Arctic), Jennifer Tauli Corpuz (Philippines – Asia), Patricia Gualinga Montalvo (Ecuador – Central and South America and the Caribbean), Valentina Sovkina (Russian Federation – Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Transcaucasia), Lea Nicholas-Mackenzie (Canada – North America), and Emma Rawson-Te Patu (New Zealand – Pacific).
The UNPFII serves as an advisory body to ECOSOC, tasked with offering expert recommendations on Indigenous issues, coordinating UN activities, and promoting the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The new members will be formally inducted at the forum’s next official session.
