Core Functions
ECOSOC brings people and issues together to promote collective action for a sustainable world
UAN-ECOSOC develops Indigenous-informed recommendations on sustainability, health, and economic justice while promoting cultural sovereignty in global governance. The organization bridges Indigenous nations, nation-states, and NGOs through high-level dialogues on land rights and regenerative economies…
Structure & Leadership
The General Assembly of Indigenous Nations
The supreme decision-making body. Specialized Commissions – Focused on areas like environment, sacred sciences, and economic empowerment. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Wisdom – A consultative body for traditional leaders and knowledge keepers
Why UAN-ECOSOC Matters
Knowledge & Innovation Hub
In a world facing climate collapse and cultural erosion, Indigenous peoples hold the keys to humanity’s survival. UAN-ECOSOC ensures their voices shape global systems—not as stakeholders, but as sovereign partners. Join us in rebalancing the world…
Foundational Principles & Mission
UAN-ECOSOC Mission
The UAN Economic and Social Council (UAN-ECOSOC) is the central platform for Indigenous-led sustainable development, cultural preservation, and global policy dialogue.
The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the UAN system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.
Aligned with the founding principles of the United Ancient Indigenous Enlightened Nations (UAN), UAN-ECOSOC:
- Champions Indigenous wisdom as a solution to global challenges
- Facilitates collaboration between Indigenous nations, governments, and international bodies
- Advocates for policies that protect ancestral knowledge, sacred ecosystems, and equitable economic systems
Three Pillars of Development
UAN-ECOSOC advances sustainable development through three interconnected dimensions, each informed by Indigenous worldviews and traditional ecological knowledge.
Development Dimensions:
- Economic: Regenerative economies and fair trade practices
- Social: Cultural sovereignty and community empowerment
- Environmental: Sacred land protection and biodiversity conservation
- Spiritual: Integration of ancestral wisdom in modern governance
Organizational Structure & Leadership
Governance Structure
UAN-ECOSOC operates through a traditional Indigenous governance model that emphasizes consensus-building, Elder wisdom, and collective decision-making.
Key Bodies:
- The General Assembly of Indigenous Nations: The supreme decision-making body representing all member Indigenous nations
- Specialized Commissions: Focused on areas like environment, sacred sciences, and economic empowerment
- Permanent Forum on Indigenous Wisdom: A consultative body for traditional leaders and knowledge keepers
- Elder Council: Spiritual and cultural guidance body
- Youth Advisory Circle: Future leaders and innovation drivers
- Women’s Wisdom Council: Gender-balanced perspective integration
Subsidiary Bodies
UAN ECOSOC oversees a complex ecosystem of subsidiary bodies, composed of regional commissions, functional commissions and expert bodies, standing committees and ad hoc bodies. The Council is entrusted to guide and coordinate the work of its subsidiary and related bodies. It thus has an influence on a wide remit of the work of the UAN system on development.
Types of Subsidiary Bodies:
- Regional Commission
- Functional commission
- Expert Bodies (Governmental Experts)
- Expert Bodies (Personal Capacity)
- Standing Committees
- Ad Hoc Bodies
- Other Related Bodies
Main Councils of the General Assembly
🌍 Global Indigenous Summit
Annual gathering of Elders, leaders, and policymakers to address urgent global challenges through Indigenous wisdom and traditional solutions.
💾 Digital Ark of Ancestral Knowledge
A living archive of endangered Indigenous traditions, languages, and practices, preserved through AI and blockchain technology for future generations.
🌱 Sacred Land Guardianship Program
Protecting biodiversity through Indigenous stewardship, combining traditional land management with modern conservation science.
Segments & Forums
UAN ECOSOC Segments
Coordination Segment
Promotes the work of subsidiary bodies of UAN ECOSOC and the UAN system to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Humanitarian Affairs Segment
Strengthens coordination of UAN humanitarian efforts.
Operational Activities for Development Segment
Provides overall guidance for UAN funds and programmes.
Management Segment
Reviews reports of UAN ECOSOC subsidiary and expert bodies; promotes UAN system coordination on development issues; and considers special country or regional concerns.
UAN ECOSOC Forums
Development Cooperation Forum
Reviews trends and progress in development cooperation.
Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation
Discusses science, technology and innovation cooperation around thematic areas for the implementation of the sustainable development goals, congregating all relevant stakeholders to actively contribute in their area of expertise.
Youth Forum
Brings youth voices into discussions on global policy-making on development issues of the day.
Partnership Forum
Encourages collaboration among Governments, businesses and foundations, non-governmental organizations, academia and Parliamentarians.