14th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights – Financial Support Available for Indigenous Representatives (Deadline:  22 August, 2025)

The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples is now accepting applications from Indigenous representatives wishing to participate in the 14th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, which will take place from November 24–26, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

This prestigious global gathering focuses on critical issues at the intersection of business and human rights, with specific emphasis on the challenges and advocacy efforts related to Indigenous communities.

Why Apply?

Successful applicants will receive financial support to cover travel, accommodation, and daily expenses. This is a unique opportunity to engage in international dialogue, amplify Indigenous voices, and influence policies affecting Indigenous rights in the business sector.

Who Should Apply?

The Fund strongly encourages applications from:

• Indigenous individuals and representatives of Indigenous peoples’ organizations

• Advocates actively working to promote Indigenous rights in business and human rights contexts

• Community leaders who require financial assistance to attend

• Applicants who can demonstrate meaningful and ongoing impact within their communities

Priority will be given to new applicants and those representing communities previously unrepresented in past UN Forums. LGBTIQ+ persons and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

To be considered, applicants must submit:

• A completed application form

• Their most recent CV or resume

• A copy of their passport

• A letter of nomination or recommendation signed by the executive of the Indigenous organization or leader of the community (note: letters signed by the applicant will not be accepted)

All application forms must be submitted in English, French, or Spanish.

Important Guidelines

Before submitting your application, please carefully review the Explanatory Note provided by the Fund. Key points include:

• Only complete applications will be considered. All 41 questions in the form must be answered thoroughly.

• Selected participants are expected to conduct a community awareness-raising activity after the Forum to share key outcomes and messages.

• Beneficiaries of past support who have not submitted an evaluation report will not be eligible.

• The Board considers gender and geographical balance in its selection process.

Participation in the UN Forum should be viewed not just as attendance, but as a strategic action to strengthen Indigenous rights advocacy and awareness within local communities. By equipping more Indigenous leaders with firsthand knowledge and global insight, the Forum helps build a more inclusive and rights-based approach to business conduct globally.

Deadline for Applications

All applications must be submitted by August 22, 2025.

Only selected applicants will be contacted due to the high volume of submissions.

How to Apply

Apply online now through the official portal: Apply Here

For questions regarding the application or Explanatory Note, contact:

• Morse Caoagas Flores – morse.flores@un.org

• Secretariat Email – ohchr-indigenousfunds@un.org

• Phone – +41 22 928 9303

• Post – Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland

For more information about the Forum: 14th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights

Final Note

Participation in the 14th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights is more than a professional opportunity—it is a commitment to collective progress for Indigenous communities worldwide. Apply now to be a part of this transformative experience.