On November 15, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted a side event at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Titled "Resilience at Risk: Impact of Loss and Damage from Climate Change on Indigenous Peoples," the event brought together policymakers, experts, and Indigenous representatives to deliberate on the urgent climate challenges facing Indigenous communities. The session featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Ms. Barsa Lekhi of UNESCO and chaired by NIWF's Chairperson, Ms. Suni Lama, who emphasized the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in global climate dialogues. Hon. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister of Forest and Environment along with Dr. Deepak Kumar Kharal, Secretary also participated in the side event.

The esteemed panelists included Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, Chief of the Climate Change Management Division, Government of Nepal; Dr. Sher Muhammad of ICIMOD; Mr. Mingma Chiri Sherpa, Chairperson of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality; and Mr. Binod Parajuli of the Climate Risk and Resilience Lab. Together, they brought a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to the discussion, which centered on the disproportionate impact of climate change on Indigenous communities and the pressing need for collective action to address these challenges. The discussion underscored the urgent need for stronger collaboration between national and international agencies to prioritize Indigenous-led climate adaptation. Panelists agreed on the necessity of building resilient frameworks that address challenges from local to global levels, ensuring that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of climate action. The dialogue also spotlighted the invaluable contributions of Indigenous knowledge and practices in enhancing climate resilience, offering lessons for broader global strategies.

The session concluded with a set of actionable recommendations, including the promotion of inclusive policy-making, enhanced investment in risk reduction and adaptation measures, and greater recognition of Indigenous rights in climate governance. Participants left with a renewed commitment to work together to mitigate climate risks, safeguard vulnerable ecosystems, and empower Indigenous communities as key agents of change in the fight against climate change. This side event not only amplified the voices of Indigenous peoples but also reaffirmed their critical role in shaping a sustainable and equitable climate future.