FEASIBILITY STUDY

Virtual Permanent Forum for Indigenous Peoples:
Communications System

It is recommended that an initial study take the following into consideration:

• Web hosting and ongoing development of web based initiatives, taking into consideration an Indigenous Peoples' organizational model, which may differ from the current structure of the official UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, while retaining the seven regions approach and revolving additional representation
   

• Interface with all UN web site resources
   

• Potential Expert/Mentor commitments
   

• Audiovisual production/post production of UN meetings; translations
   

• Acquisitions and archive management from UN resources/data bases
   

• Testing and evaluation of needs in pilot projects
   

• A financial strategy for project creation and management taking into consideration external costs of the proposed interaction with the UN Secretariat, other UN agencies and UN TV and radio units/archives
   

• Telecommunications support for special events
   

• Task force for feasibility study

A Feasibility study will:

• Examine economic and social needs of Indigenous organizations and communities with regards to access to Permanent Forum members/expertise
   

• Analyse and confirm pilot project(s)
   

• Recommend effective partners
   

• Assess resources and availability
   

• Identify benefits to all
   

• Provide a framework for ethical investment and revenues

Outcomes of Feasibility Study:

• Framework for Collaboration
   

• Cost Benefit Analysis
   

• Recommendation of ideal partners
   

• Dimension of community driven participation
   

• Amount of resources required for training/ trainers/facilitators
   

• Degree of access to resources

Timeline: Legacy
Second United Nations International Decade of the
World's Indigenous People
(2005-2014)

2005 - 2007

• Funding and feasibility study/pilot connectivity for members
   

• Identification and evaluation of community infrastructures for participation
   

• Commitment of partners to support larger scale connectivity with communities
   

• Prototype showcase: Monterrey, Mexico, Universal Forum of Cultures

2008

Scheduled bi-annual hosting of synchronous meetings using appropriate technology, rotating regional participation, in conjunction with higher education institutions, such as the United Nations University

2009

Development of independent fact-finding missions/reporting mechanisms and community online participation

2010

Sustainable operations in relation to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Secretariat goals and UN web site services