The Indigenous Peoples of Asia Solidarity (IPAS) Fund was officially launched on December 4, 2023, during the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai. The event took place at the Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, gathering over 100 participants, including donors, funders, philanthropies, intermediaries, governments, indigenous representatives, and civil society actors.

Key highlights from the launch:

1. Diverse Representation: The launch event included a broad range of stakeholders such as Indigenous-led funding mechanisms, UN agencies, international NGOs, research and academic institutions, and Indigenous Peoples from seven socio-cultural regions. This diverse participation emphasised the global interest and support for the IPAS Fund.

2. Successful Engagement: The event successfully communicated the history, process, and future direction of the IPAS Fund to attendees. It fostered a better understanding among multiple donors and Indigenous representatives, leading to several funding commitments and expressions of interest in future collaborations.

3. Increased Visibility: The official launch significantly raised the profile of the IPAS Fund, not only within Asia but also across  Africa, Latin America, and other socio-cultural regions. This broader visibility underscores the Fund’s potential to address the needs and priorities of Indigenous Peoples globally.

4. Global Support and Appreciation: Indigenous representatives from various regions expressed their support and appreciation for the initiative, highlighting the IPAS Fund’s importance in fulfilling the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities.

The IPAS Fund’s official launch at COP28 marks a significant step towards empowering Indigenous communities by providing necessary financial resources and fostering international collaboration to support their rights and development initiatives.