In 2025, the world’s attention turns to Belém, Brazil , host city of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) — marking the first time the Amazon region hosts this critical global summit. As part of the official agenda, the Ancestral Wisdom Forum and the SDG Global Cultural Panorama will play a central role in integrating Indigenous leadership, cultural expression, and traditional ecological knowledge into climate negotiations.

Organized under the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) , COP30 will focus on accelerating global efforts to meet climate goals while protecting biodiversity and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The SDG Global Cultural Panorama, an SDG-driven initiative led by EarthSavers, UNESCO Artist for Peace, the South-South Cooperation Council (SSCC), ENERGIES 2050 and its ART’S PLANET initiative, and The Climate Institute, will showcase artistic and cultural contributions that amplify the voices of marginalized communities and promote resilience through creativity and identity (https://www.thepanoramaproject.org).

As part of this effort, the Ancestral Wisdom Forum will return as a featured program during COP30’s NGO Pavilion. Building on the success of the 2025 Cartagena Forum, it will continue to elevate Indigenous perspectives on environmental stewardship, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding the planet’s ecosystems.

One of the highlights will be the presentation of the Cartagena Declaration on Ancestral Wisdom for Environmental Protection , adopted during the 2025 forum. This groundbreaking document outlines a roadmap for incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems into climate action frameworks.

The venue, Belém , known as the “Gateway to the Amazon,” reinforces the urgency of protecting biodiversity and Indigenous territories. The city's rich cultural diversity and environmental significance provide a powerful backdrop for intercultural dialogue and collaborative action.

As part of the SDG Global Cultural Panorama, contributions from the Forum will be showcased through the Panorama Portal , an interactive digital platform gathering artistic and cultural responses to climate change. Selected content may also be exhibited during international events, including the NGO Pavilion at COP30 .

This integration of arts, culture, and Indigenous wisdom represents a paradigm shift in global climate engagement — one that recognizes creativity and tradition as essential tools in the fight against climate change.

👉 Learn more about the Ancestral Wisdom Forum and how to participate at ancestralwisdomforum.org
👉 Submit your creative work to the SDG Global Cultural Panorama