When Indigenous food knowledge enters an app, database, research project, digital map, or AI system, who controls what happens to it next? Too often, the institution collecting or storing the knowledge sets the terms.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Sofía Monsalve Suárez, is seeking submissions for a thematic report on science, technology, knowledge, and food systems. She’ll present the report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027. The call expressly invites Indigenous Peoples’ organizations to submit data, case studies, good practices, shortcomings, and recommendations.
Important Dates
- Deadline. October 14, 2026, at 11 p.m. Geneva time and 5 p.m. Eastern
- Report. The Special Rapporteur will present the report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027
- Limit. 2,500 words or five pages, submitted in Word format
- Languages. English, French, or Spanish
- Email. hrc-sr-food@un.org
- Subject line. “Inputs for Science, Technology and Food Systems report”
Resources
- OHCHR Call for Input on Science, Technology and Food Systems
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, especially Article 31 on traditional knowledge
- OHCHR Consultation and Free, Prior and Informed Consent
- Global Indigenous Data Alliance CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance
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