SDG Forum: First Nations Peoples & the 2030 Agenda

The SDG Forum on First Nations People and the 2030 Agenda, held on August 1st, 2024, at West Coast Eagles' Mineral Resources Park, emphasised the vital contributions of Indigenous peoples to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event gathered experts and advocates to integrate First Nations perspectives across sectors.

West Coast Eagles opened the forum and highlighted the club’s societal impact through 110,000 youth engagements in 2023. The potential of sports organisations to drive positive change, aligning with key SDGs, were emphasised. This year also marks the fourth collaboration the UNAAWA has with the Clun. Dr. Sandy Chong, Founding Chair of the SDGs Forum, acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land and emphasised the critical role of Indigenous people, who constitute 5.2% of the global population yet manage 50% of the planet's land and water. She outlined the invaluable contributions of our First Nations peoples to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and economic growth.

Ms Meredith Hammat MLA, Representative of Minister Tony Buti expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy Western Australia's natural beauty, thanks to our First Nation people’s care. Shereaffirmed the WA Government's commitment to the national agreement on Closing the Gap and expressed anticipation for the evening's discussions, aiming to inspire continued support for Aboriginal contributions to the SDGs.

Key discussions of the panel session include:

Politics & International Trade: Dr. Kate George discussed the challenges Aboriginal leaders face in securing a voice in international trade policies. Despite progress, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, there is still significant work to be done. She emphasised that international standards have been crucial in holding countries accountable and providing a framework for Indigenous rights.

Education: Andrew Beck emphasised the need to integrate First Nations knowledge into educational curricula. Drawing on his experience with WA independent schools, he highlighted the importance of training teachers to incorporate local knowledge systems, enabling students to learn on their land. Beck encouraged embracing the challenge of aligning traditional and modern educational approaches to better serve First Nations students.

Science & Technology: Professor Christopher Lawrence underscored the innovative contributions of Indigenous knowledge to science and technology. He shared initiatives like sending Indigenous students to NASA and establishing the National Indigenous Space Academy. Lawrence emphasized the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science and technology to help achieve the SDGs, leveraging Indigenous expertise to address global challenges.

Art & Culture: Sharyn Egan highlighted the significance of promoting and preserving Aboriginal art and culture, particularly through education. She discussed the role of art in advocacy, raising awareness of the SDGs, and fostering global collaboration through cultural exchanges. Egan emphasized art's power in bridging cultural divides and promoting sustainability.

Entrepreneurship: Clinton Walker addressed the unique challenges faced by First Nations entrepreneurs, including the lack of generational wealth and cultural responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of adaptability, leveraging cultural knowledge, and building strong community networks to navigate these challenges and seize new opportunities.

The forum concluded with a call from the Chair, Dr Sandy Chong, for recognition and deeper collaboration of Indigenous contributions to global sustainability, underscoring their critical role in shaping a sustainable future.