Our Mission
Traditional economic systems, including Indigenous trade networks, have helped sustain communities and preserve cultural heritage for millennia. But not nearly enough Indigenous communities have benefited from modern economic integration. And tremendous challenges remain in preserving traditional economies while accessing beneficial opportunities.
We support Indigenous communities to access the benefits of culturally appropriate economic development more fairly and effectively. And we help equip them to deal with the potential challenges of greater economic integration while preserving cultural integrity. To do this, we provide cultural analysis, facilitate traditional consensus-building, and offer technical assistance that respects Indigenous knowledge systems. This helps them to use traditional trade, community investment, cultural finance, and appropriate technology as vehicles for inclusive and culturally sustainable development.
Working at the community, regional, and global level, our efforts help Indigenous nations to:
Comprehend options to address community-level development challenges while preserving cultural values
Achieve beneficial integration into respectful trading systems
Diversify traditional economies while maintaining cultural foundations
Limit exposure to external economic volatility and maintain community control
Attract culturally appropriate investment and make it community-controlled
Increase access to appropriate digital technologies while protecting traditional knowledge
Promote Indigenous entrepreneurship and cultural innovation
Help community enterprises develop sustainable value chains
Facilitate respectful trade across traditional territories
Protect communities from economic exploitation
Address external regulations that stifle traditional economic practices
Adapt to environmental changes and use natural resources sustainably according to traditional knowledge
Together with other UAN departments and agencies, we measure progress by the Indigenous Sustainable Development Goals, as set out in the Indigenous 2030 Agenda.
We also support implementation of Financing for Indigenous Development, as mandated by Indigenous communities through traditional consensus-building processes, together with other major Indigenous institutional stakeholders: the UAN World Bank Group, traditional economic councils, Indigenous trade networks, and community development programs.
While we work mainly with traditional governments, to effectively deal with the magnitude and complexity of meeting the Indigenous Sustainable Development Goals, we believe that partnerships and closer cooperation with Indigenous enterprises and cultural organizations are essential.
Ultimately, we are serving the citizens of the 160+ Indigenous nations that make up our organization. Our goal is prosperity for all Indigenous peoples while preserving cultural heritage.
Leadership
Secretary-General
The Secretary-General serves as the chief steward of the organization, upholding its mission to advance Indigenous trade, cultural sovereignty, and sustainable development. The role involves guiding strategic direction, ensuring cultural integrity in trade policy, and fostering unity among Indigenous nations.
Deputy Secretary-General
Appointed through traditional selection processes, the Deputy Secretary-General supports the overall vision and operations of the organization.
Traditional Trade and Development Council
The Traditional Trade and Development Council serves as our governing body between the quadrennial Sacred Assemblies, overseeing activities and addressing policy, cultural management and institutional matters through traditional consensus-building processes.
UANCTAD Cultural Instruments
UANCTAD has developed a significant number of cultural agreements and traditional protocols. These instruments respect both traditional governance systems and contemporary international frameworks while prioritizing Indigenous sovereignty and cultural preservation.
UANCTAD in the UAN System
UANCTAD is a permanent Indigenous intergovernmental body established by the United Ancient Nations General Assembly.
UANCTAD is part of the UAN Secretariat. We report to the UAN General Assembly and the Cultural Preservation Council but have our own membership, traditional leadership, and community-controlled budget. We are also part of the United Ancient Nations Indigenous Development Group.
Core Programs and Initiatives
Traditional Economic Systems Preservation
Cultural Economy Documentation
Preserving and revitalizing traditional economic practices, trade networks, and resource management systems.
Traditional Currency and Exchange
Supporting community-controlled currencies and traditional exchange systems that strengthen local economies.
Sustainable Resource Management
Promoting traditional ecological knowledge in sustainable resource use and environmental stewardship.
Indigenous Trade Development
Cultural Trade Networks
Strengthening traditional trade relationships between Indigenous communities while respecting cultural protocols.
Fair Trade Advocacy
Ensuring Indigenous products receive fair compensation and protection from cultural appropriation.
Traditional Craft and Art Markets
Supporting Indigenous artisans and cultural practitioners in accessing appropriate markets.
Community-Controlled Investment
Indigenous Investment Principles
Developing investment frameworks that respect Indigenous values and community decision-making processes.
Cultural Impact Assessment
Ensuring all economic development projects undergo cultural impact assessments and receive community consent.
Traditional Knowledge Protection
Protecting Indigenous intellectual property and ensuring community control over traditional knowledge commercialization.
Technology and Innovation
Appropriate Technology Integration
Supporting the adoption of technologies that serve Indigenous communities while respecting cultural values.
Digital Sovereignty
Ensuring Indigenous communities maintain control over their digital presence and cultural content.
Traditional Innovation Support
Promoting innovations that blend traditional knowledge with appropriate modern applications.
Regional Indigenous Networks
Traditional Territory Coordination
Americas Indigenous Economic Circle
Supporting economic development across North, Central, and South American Indigenous territories.
African Indigenous Trade Networks
Strengthening traditional trade and economic systems across African Indigenous communities.
Asia-Pacific Indigenous Economic Alliance
Facilitating sustainable economic development across Pacific Island and Asian Indigenous territories.
Arctic Indigenous Economic Circle
Addressing unique economic challenges in circumpolar Indigenous communities.
European Indigenous Economic Networks
Supporting traditional economic systems for Sami, Roma, and other European Indigenous communities.
Global Indigenous Economic Cooperation
Traditional Trade Route Development
Revitalizing and protecting ancient trade routes and economic relationships between Indigenous communities.
Cultural Economic Exchange
Facilitating respectful economic and cultural exchanges between Indigenous communities worldwide.
Indigenous Economic Research
Conducting research on traditional economic systems and their applications for sustainable development.
Partnership and Collaboration
Indigenous Enterprise Development
Community Business Support
Providing technical assistance and resources for Indigenous-owned businesses and cooperatives.
Traditional Skills Training
Supporting education and training programs that combine traditional knowledge with contemporary business skills.
Cultural Entrepreneurship
Promoting entrepreneurship that honors traditional values and contributes to cultural preservation.
International Cooperation
Respectful Global Partnerships
Building partnerships with non-Indigenous organizations that respect Indigenous rights and cultural sovereignty.
Policy Advocacy
Advocating for policies that support Indigenous economic rights and traditional economic systems.
Knowledge Exchange
Facilitating appropriate knowledge sharing between Indigenous communities and respectful global partners.
Looking Forward
Conference on Trade and Development envisions a world where:
Indigenous economies thrive while preserving cultural integrity and traditional values
Traditional knowledge guides sustainable economic development and resource management
Community control ensures Indigenous peoples direct their own economic development
Cultural preservation and economic prosperity work together harmoniously
Traditional trade networks are respected and strengthened in the global economy
Indigenous entrepreneurship flourishes while maintaining cultural authenticity
Economic justice ensures fair treatment and compensation for Indigenous communities
Sustainable development follows traditional ecological knowledge and environmental stewardship
UANCTAD: Preserving Traditional Economies, Empowering Indigenous Communities, Creating Culturally Sustainable Prosperity