For Immediate Release The World Bank Contacts: Sergio Jellinek 202-458-2841 Sjellinek@worldbank.org Kristyn Ebro 202-458-2736 Kebro@worldbank.org WASHINGTON, September 24, 2004—Respect for Indigenous People’s culture and values is an integral dimension of development, according to the World Bank at its special forum, Development Trends and Indigenous Peoples, held on September 23rd as part of the official program of the grand opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) on the National Mall in Washington, DC. “The World Bank recognizes that Indigenous Peoples hold a special place in the world,” said World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn, “due to their unique circumstances, heritage, and history. Indigenous Peoples live in more than 70 countries and are estimated to number over 200 million. They have historically been the most disadvantaged, marginalized, and excluded populations in many parts of the world.” “Their identities, cultures, lands, and resources,” Wolfensohn added,“are uniquely intertwined and especially vulnerable to changes caused by development programs. The distinct circumstances of Indigenous Peoples and their close ties to land and natural resources may expose them to different types of risks and levels of impact.” Rick West, Director of the NMAI, said that, “We insist that our indigenous culture needs to be part of the cultural future of the Americas, as it has been in the past and as we have fought to make it a part of our present. In telling the story of the past, we will tell the story of the values and insights which enrich our present and future.” Manuel de Jesus Salazar, Minister of Culture and Sports of Guatemala, pointed out that there are 50 million indigenous peoples in Latin America alone. “The NMAI represents an historical benchmark,” said the Minister, “in the fight of the indigenous peoples in the Americas. It shows that the indigenous knowledge and sense of balance can help in recuperating those values not currently present in the global society.” Mateo Martinez, Executive Director of Fondo Indigena, emphasized that, “Exclusion needs to end. We have experienced many approaches and development models, and it is time to reflect on those policies so that we can move forward with approaches that include indigenous peoples in the decision-making process. We are in favor of a sustainable approach to development which is socially, culturally, and environmentally sensitive.” According to Wolfensohn, the wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples have survived for many generations, and, “It is the Bank’s aim to help ensure that they remain for generations to come. In a time of increasing resource scarcity, it is vital to build on the strengths of existing social and cultural organizations.” The event held at the World Bank’s Headquarters opened with a traditional ceremony by Emil Her Many Horses, Spiritual Leader and member of the Lakota Tribe. _________________________________________________ BACKGROUND ON THE WORLD BANK’S SUPPORT TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLES The World Bank works with borrower governments to protect Indigenous communities’ wealth of social, biological, and cultural diversity, while expanding peoples’ livelihood options and their access to healthcare, education, and security. The Bank’s draft report on Strategic Priorities emphasizes addressing issues of social inclusion, cohesion, and accountability in World Bank programs and projects in a systematic way to contribute to lifting millions of people from poverty in developing countries in a sustainable way. In addition to its new draft Strategic Priorities for Social Development report, the Bank is currently revising its policies on Indigenous Peoples and Physical Cultural Resources. These new policies, when approved by the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors, together with a number of investment projects in progress, underline the importance of culture in development. The World Bank was the first multilateral financial institution to establish a safeguards policy on Indigenous Peoples in 1982, making it a forerunner on Indigenous Peoples’ issues. The current policy on Indigenous Peoples remains one of the most progressive policy statements of any multilateral development institute. Since 1992, World Bank has supported 403 projects across various sectors involving Indigenous Peoples. Currently, there are 227 projects involving Indigenous Peoples, with some 80 additional projects in the pipeline. Through the Global Fund for Indigenous Peoples, now in its second year, the Bank is allocating resources for the empowerment and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples, including capacity building and direct participation. It provides grants directly to Indigenous Peoples communities and organizations through the Grants Facility for Indigenous Peoples, supports the Andean Indigenous Leadership Capacity Building Program, and works closely with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The World Bank supports Indigenous Peoples projects in Latin America Since 1992, World Bank has financed 169 investment projects in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. Examples include Mexico’s Indigenous Community Forestry Project, Guatemala’s Universal Basic Education Project and Ecuador’s Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian Peoples Development Project. A tripartite dialogue among indigenous peoples, government, and private companies in order to establish conditions for conflict resolution and mediation has been promoted by the Bank in Latin America. For more information, please see the websites: www.worldbank.org/indigenouspeoples www.worldbank.org/socialdevelopment http://www.nmai.si.edu/index_nmai.cfm -###- |
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