The Indigenous Peoples’ territory at FAO hosts the Global-Hub expert meeting on food and knowledge systems

Indigenous Peoples' knowledge at the heart of the Global-Hub

From 12 to 16 October 2026, Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts from all seven socio-cultural regions of the world will gather for the fourth annual expert meeting of the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food and Knowledge Systems.

The meeting will bring together Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge holders, researchers, and other experts to exchange experiences and strengthen the role of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and science in shaping responses to today’s global challenges.

The Global-Hub has become the leading strategic think tank on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, bringing together 40 organizations and institutions and 5 international research networks.

 

An Indigenous Peoples' territory in the heart of Rome

The fire of knowledge is symbolically lit inside a very representative space: an Indigenous Peoples’ territory created by two Sámi nomadic tents (Lavvus) connected together.

FAO is committed to ensuring culturally appropriate spaces for intercultural dialogue with Indigenous Peoples. This commitment is central to guiding discussions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts as they engage in dialogue on an equal footing.

Throughout the week, the Indigenous nomadic tents will host a dynamic programme of events, talks, advocacy and cultural activities, amplifying Indigenous Peoples’ voices and demonstrating the vitality of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge systems on a global stage.

 

 

Shaping policy and practice: the Global-Hub achievements

The Global-Hub has established itself as a catalyst for evidence-based advocacy:

• Publication of the White/Wiphala Paper on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems in 2021, a groundbreaking peer-reviewed resource that has shaped policy discourse globally;
• Three new White papers, under the White/Wiphala paper series, are being finalized and will be made available soon;
• Active research agenda: the Global-Hub is currently driving 13 drafting committees focused on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems;
• New publications: the 2026 expert meeting will launch new groundbreaking publications that advance the evidence base for Indigenous Peoples-led policy making;
• Institutional outreach: the global-Hub brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers from 40 institutions and 5 international research networks.

 

Additional celebration: One year of HOPE

Parallel to the expert meeting, the HOPE room of the FAO Museum will celebrate its first anniversary, reaffirming the commitment to honouring Indigenous Peoples’ contributions and histories. 

 

About the Global-Hub

The Global-Hub secretariat is hosted by the FAO Indigenous Peoples Unit. As an innovative and strategic thinktank, the Global-Hub leads intercultural co-creation of knowledge, centering Indigenous Peoples expertise and advancing evidence-based advocacy for Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems globally.

Map of the members of the Global-Hub: