Representatives of government, business and indigenous peoples met at an international forum in Moscow to discuss innovations in business relations with indigenous peoples, which is one of the most important areas of activity of large companies in the field of sustainable development.
“It is important for us to move from paternalism to cooperation, to partnership. Moreover, this partnership must be absolutely equal and adequate. And equal cooperation can only happen when the principle “Nothing for us without us” is practically applied. That is, when business does not impose its will on indigenous peoples, but speaks to them as equals, doing everything to ensure that they are as socially protected as possible,” commented Andrey Grachev, vice president for federal and regional programs at Norilsk Nickel.
Norilsk Nickel's partnership programs are aimed at the socio-economic development of indigenous peoples. The company creates conditions for the implementation of traditional environmental management by communities, builds housing and supports the development of human capital, language and culture.
Forum participants also discussed best practices for interaction between industrial companies and indigenous peoples while underscoring an opportunity to build trusting relationships due to the principle of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).
“The task of the forum is to create a national platform for discussing and developing certain recommendations and decisions,” noted Igor Barinov, head of the Federal Agency for Nationalities Affairs.
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief of the European bureau, Rough&Polished
