Acting President Juuso represents the Sámi Parliament at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Acting President Tuomas Aslak Juuso is representing the Sámi Parliament at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York. The Forum is being held for the 25th time, and its theme focuses on ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ health, including in the context of conflict.
The 25th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will take place 20.4.-1.5.2026 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The session examines the health of Indigenous peoples, including in the context of conflict situations. The Forum brings together representatives of Indigenous Peoples, states, UN bodies and other partners. The Youth Council of the Sámi Parliament is also participating in the Forum. The Youth Council is represented by Vice President Ellen Saijets and Youth Council member Niila‑Juhán Valkeapää.
Discussions at the Forum cover six mandate areas: economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights. The discussions also address the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In addition, several side events, meetings and dialogues are organised among Indigenous Peoples, UN organisations and other partners.
Particular emphasis during the session is placed on:
- threats to the health of Indigenous Peoples, especially in conflict situations
- the need for culturally appropriate and safe health services
- the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Sustainable Development Goals from a health perspective
Tuomas Aslak Juuso Appointed Adviser to UN Consultations on Indigenous Issues
Acting President of the Sámi Parliament Tuomas Aslak Juuso has been appointed as an adviser to support the coordinators appointed by the President of the UN General Assembly in consultations concerning the participation of Indigenous Peoples. The appointment relates to potential additional measures aimed at strengthening the participation of representatives and institutions of Indigenous Peoples in UN meetings on matters that concern them.
More information
Tuomas Aslak Juuso
Acting President
040 687 3394
tuomas.juuso@samediggi.fi
Inka-Saara Arttijeff
Secretary for International Affairs
010 839 3198 / 050 574 7629
inka-saara.arttijeff@samediggi.fi
