Assisting ITC in Developing a Moonshot Strategy to Support Indigenous Enterprises in Trade

Advisor

Semester

Spring 2024

With a population of approximately 476 million, despite comprising only about 6% of the global population, Indigenous Peoples account for 19% of the world’s extremely poor. On the other hand, Indigenous Peoples overwhelmingly safeguard 80% of the remaining biodiversity on Earth. Despite their significant role in conserving nature, Indigenous Peoples continue to endure the ramifications of the historical disenfranchisement that has significantly limited their entrepreneurial activity and employment opportunities.

In response, the International Trade Center (ITC) requested the assistance of a SIPA/EPD workshop team to develop an Indigenous Peoples and Trade (IPT) Programme. The IPT Programme aims to provide guidance for ITC’s approach to engage and provide tailored support for Indigenous enterprises and artisans globally. The project is structured around four main goals: (i) promoting sustainable economic growth for Indigenous businesses; (ii) recognizing and preserving Indigenous traditional knowledge in trade; (iii) enhancing the competitiveness of Indigenous enterprises; and (iv) fostering a supportive policy environment for Indigenous trade.

The IPT Programme document provides a comprehensive needs assessment in order to identify, analyze, and prioritize the areas for ITC to allocate resources and make effective interventions to support Indigenous enterprises.  In response to the identified challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples, the document outlines a six-pronged strategy to support Indigenous communities in gaining access to global trade, thereby contributing to their capacity for self-determination, improving livelihoods, and promoting sustainable business practices. The strategies proposed for engaging with Indigenous Peoples underscore a commitment to respecting their unique cultural contexts, promoting economic empowerment, and fostering sustainable development. From supporting Indigenous enterprises and artisans in product development to advancing their inclusion in the digital economy, the strategy prioritizes partnerships, inclusivity, and sustainability, recognizing the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Peoples to sustainable economic growth, preservation of cultural knowledge, and environmental conservation.