International Conference on Indigenous-Led Research and Development Concludes in Kathmandu

Ishpata News: Kathmandu, Nepal, October 1, 2024 – The International Conference on Indigenous-Led Research and Development, organized by CIPRED (Center for Indigenous Peoples' Research and Development) Nepal, concluded successfully on September 30, 2024. The event was held from September 29 to 30, 2024, and gathered Indigenous leaders, scholars, activists, researchers, and policymakers from 16 countries, all committed to addressing the global challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and reclaiming their ancestral knowledge and public spaces to help heal the world.

Participants drafted a Joint Statement, recognizing the crucial role of Indigenous knowledge in tackling environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. The right to self-determination for Indigenous Peoples was reaffirmed, and the need for collaborative, inclusive research that centers Indigenous perspectives was emphasized. CIPRED is set to release the finalized Joint Statement in a week.

Key issues affecting Indigenous communities, such as climate change, globalization, and resource exploitation, were central to the discussions. The conference also highlighted the vital contributions of Indigenous women, youth, and elders in preserving cultural heritage and ensuring the continuity of traditional knowledge.

The Joint Statement called for action, urging governments, international organizations, and academic institutions to recognize Indigenous knowledge, support Indigenous-led initiatives, and ensure accountability in partnerships with Indigenous communities. The participants urged global stakeholders to allocate resources and funding to support Indigenous-led development and cultural preservation efforts. The conference concluded with a shared vision to secure a just, equitable, and sustainable future for Indigenous Peoples, rooted in the wisdom and resilience of their ancestors.

The event, attended by professors and Indigenous representatives from 16 countries, marked a significant milestone in the global movement for Indigenous rights. It reinforced the collective commitment of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim their ancestral spaces, regain control of their knowledge, and actively shape a sustainable future for their communities and the world.

Luke Rehmat, representing Indigenous Peoples from Pakistan, delivered a presentation on Indigenous education and development. As a member of an Indigenous community himself, he emphasized the importance of global efforts to strengthen Indigenous Peoples by promoting Indigenous-friendly education and sustainable development that respects their rights. He acknowledged the remarkable work done by CIPRED and Dr. Passang Dolma Sherpa for their dedication to advancing Indigenous causes.