The Belmont Forum and its partners hosted the webinar “Indigenous Knowledge and Transdisciplinary Dialogues: Addressing Extractivism through Co-production in Abya Yala” on 24 September 2026, bringing together Indigenous leaders, researchers and community representatives to discuss epistemic justice and more equitable approaches to international research partnerships.
The webinar explored how Indigenous knowledge, practices and governance systems can be meaningfully connected with scientific approaches, while addressing historical extraction and dispossession, gaps in the recognition of Indigenous knowledge, and barriers to equitable participation in research.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue, consent processes, capacity building and equitable funding mechanisms for Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and Afro-descendant peoples (PICLAs).
Advancing ethical and equitable research partnerships
Building on the PICLAs Declaration at the Sustainability Research and Innovation (SRI) Congress 2023, discussions on epistemic justice at SRI 2024, and the Bangkok Workshop on equitable funding mechanisms for ethical and equitable partnerships, the webinar contributed to ongoing efforts to develop an action plan for international research programmes.
The initiative aims to strengthen Indigenous leadership, support the recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems, and foster more horizontal and equitable relationships between communities and academic institutions.
The webinar was co-organised by the Belmont Forum, the International Science Council (ISC), the Intergenerational Observatory for the Youth Gathering for Escazú, the Indigenous Women’s Network on Biodiversity of Latin America and the Caribbean (RMIB-LAC), and the Centre for Action on Development, Education and Culture (CADEC).
Watch the webinar
The recording is available on YouTube for those interested in exploring the discussions and perspectives shared during the event.