New Zealand, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) have launched the Indigenous Women and Girls – Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Project in Davao City. The project aims to empower Indigenous women and girls in Regions 11 and 12 in Mindanao with a focus on leadership, economic opportunities, and climate resilience.

The four-year initiative is funded by the New Zealand government with P247 million (USD 4.5 million). It will also work to safeguard Indigenous Peoples' rights and promote sustainable practices in ancestral domains.

During the ceremony, New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh emphasized the country's commitment to impactful development. "We are carefully targeting our efforts to where we will make a real difference," she said.

“As a small donor country committed to development that works, we are carefully targeting our efforts to where we will make a real difference. And I'm optimistic that together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous communities in Regions 11 and 12 and beyond,” she said expressing confidence in the initiative.

This partnership underscores New Zealand's continued commitment to supporting the empowerment of Indigenous women and girls, as well as fostering inclusive governance and sustainable development. Through the I-LEAD Project, New Zealand, UNDP, and NCIP aim to create long-lasting positive change for Indigenous communities in Mindanao.