International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2025; August 9th.

FORUM: “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.” International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2025. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support cultural revitalization, youth empowerment, and even adaptation to climate chance, it often reinforces bias, exclusion, and misrepresentation towards Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples continue to face barriers to accessing new technologies, as recognized through the World Summit of the Information Society process, especially in rural areas, widening digital divides. Yet, Artificial Intelligence (AI) also holds potential opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. When developed inclusively and ethically, AI can support language revitalization and enhance cultural preservation. For example, AI-driven tools can help document endangered Indigenous languages, contributing to their revitalization and preservation for future generations. Most AI systems are built without Indigenous input, risking the misuse of their data, knowledge, and identities. Besides, massive data centers can also impact Indigenous lands, resources, and ecosystems. This is a new issue added to the barriers to accessing new technologies, especially in rural areas, excluding Indigenous from full participation in AI-related processes. To unlock AI’s full potential, Indigenous Peoples must be respected as rights-holders, co-creators, and decision-makers. Meaningful inclusion, data sovereignty, and culturally grounded innovation are key to ensuring AI empowers their communities. The upcoming International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples will put a spotlight on this through its theme, Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures. Let’s leave no one behind. Spread the word and Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #IndigenousPeoples, #9August, #WeareIndigenous, #IndigenouspeoplesDay.

EVENTS: On August 8th, 2025 from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. EDT, New York time at United Nations Headquarters. The virtual commemoration will take place online. It will include an opening segment and statement from the Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. A moderated panel with invited speakers will discuss how Indigenous Peoples rights can be ensured in the age of AI, and consider the associated challenges and opportunities Indigenous Peoples face. Indigenous Peoples, Member States, UN entities, civil society, and the public are all invited to attend. Interpretation will be available between English and Spanish, kindly provided by FILAC.Join us to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2025 to debate on the theme, Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures. Register for this online event!

From April 21st to May 2nd 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters was held the 24th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the theme of the 24th Session was "Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges". The session was organized by Aluki Kotierk, newly elected Chair and Mr. Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Learn more.

PUBLICATIONS: It is essential that Indigenous Peoples play an active role in shaping the future of AI. The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues recognized this in its recommendations from the 24th session in 2025, highlighting the importance of meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in AI development, governance and application. Read the UNDESA publication ”Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the age of AI.“

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a 2024 resolution emphasizing that human rights and fundamental freedoms must be respected, protected and promoted throughout the life cycle of artificial intelligence systems. Respecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, data sovereignty, and promoting Indigenous-led innovation are key to realizing the positive potential of AI and avoiding perpetuating harm.

Inteligencia artificial centrada en los pueblos indígenas: perspectivas desde América Latina y el Caribe. Read the UNESCO Publication.

Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2025; August 9th.

Indigenous Peoples are guardians of ancient knowledge, defenders of cultural heritage, stewards of biodiversity, and essential to our shared future.

This year’s theme focuses on the risks and rewards of Artificial Intelligence for Indigenous Peoples.

AI can help preserve endangered languages and oral histories, map ancestral lands, and amplify Indigenous wisdom to fight climate change.

But without the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples, these same technologies risk perpetuating old patterns of exclusion, misrepresenting cultures, and violating fundamental rights.

We must ensure AI is developed and governed in ways that are inclusive, ethical, and just.

That means removing barriers to new technologies for Indigenous Peoples, protecting their data sovereignty and intellectual property rights, and supporting their meaningful inclusion in the application of AI.

On this important day, let’s build a future where technology supports cultural preservation and Indigenous knowledge, protects rights and advances dignity – for today and generations to come.

António Guterres; United Nations Secretary-General.

DOCUMENTARY: Are the Taino extinct? This woman knows otherwise | PBS

Story of Maekiaphan, a Taino woman from the U.S. Virgin Islands, on her journey to reclaim her Taino heritage.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024; August 9th.

FORUM: “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.” International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024. For Indigenous Peoples living in voluntary isolation and initial contact, one of the most serious threats from external contact is the exposure to diseases. Due to their isolation, they do not have the immunological defenses to relatively common diseases. As such, forced contact with the outside world can lead to devastating consequences, and can destroy whole societies. Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact are the best protectors of the forest. Where their collective rights to lands and territories are protected, the forests thrive, alongside their societies. And not only is their survival crucial to the protection of our planet, but it is crucial to the protection of cultural and linguistic diversity. In today’s hyper-connected world, the existence of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact is a testament to the rich and complex tapestry of humanity, and it is a huge loss to our world if they cease to exist. Despite their right to autonomy as enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact face unique challenges often overlooked by the surrounding world. Developments for agriculture, mining, tourism and natural resources in their territories is resulting in the deforestation of swathes of Indigenous Peoples’ forests, disrupting their way of life and destroying the natural environment that they have protected for generations. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #9August, #WeareIndigenous, #IndigenouspeoplesDay.

EVENTS: On Friday, August 9th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. EST/New York time; The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024 Commemorative event will be held. Speakers will share expertise on protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact. The virtual commemoration will include an opening segment with a traditional ceremony, followed by a pre-recorded statement from the UN Secretary-General and a statement from the Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. A moderated panel with invited speakers will consider who Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact are, and the pressing challenges that they face for their survival. This will be followed by a discussion with invited speakers to share advancements on how their rights can be effectively recognized and protected. In the lead-up to the Sustainable Development Goals Summit 2024 from September 22nd to September 23rd, marking the mid-point of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and the Summit of the Future 2024. It is important to ensure an inclusive and diverse youth engagement in multilateral fora towards transformative changes in decision-making processes. Read the Concept Note, the Tentative Programme and to register to participate to the virtual event.

Invited Speakers

Traditional Opening Ceremony: 

• Mr. Manari Ushigua Santi, political and spiritual leader of the Sápara Nation
• Video Message by Mr. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
• Message by Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, UNPFII Chairperson

Panel Discussion

• Mr Eduardo Pichilingue Ramos, Director, Fundación Pachamama Perú
• Ms Rukka Sombolinggi (Toraja), Secretary-General, AMAN
• Ms Hueiya Alicia Cahuiya Iteca (Waorani), National leader of CONAIE’s Bureau
• Mr Jose Francisco Calí Tzay, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Maya Kaqchikel)
• Mr Manuel Carmona Yebra, Deputy Head of Global Issues and Innovation & Counsellor for Environment and Oceans, Delegation of EU to US
• Ms Caroline Pearce, Executive Director, Survival International

Closing Remarks

• Freddy Mamani Machaca (Quechua Aymara), Coordinator of Indigenous Affairs, Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization

From 21 August to 12 November 2024 will be held several Regional meetings ahead of the Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum at IFAD. The theme of the 2025 Indigenous Peoples’ Forum at IFAD is “Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination: a pathway for food security and sovereignty”. Ahead of this, regional consultation meetings will engage representatives of Indigenous Peoples and facilitate dialogue with IFAD staff. Here, Indigenous Peoples can discuss their economic, social and cultural development. They will also inform decisions about policies and programmes that impact their lives, with a focus on food security and sovereignty. Read the concept note.

STATEMENTS: Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024; August 9th.

Indigenous Peoples represent around 6 per cent of the world's population.

Yet their stewardship signifies an outsized contribution to our global community.

They are the keepers of knowledge and traditions that help safeguard some of the most biodiverse areas of our planet.

As guardians of the environment, their survival is our survival.

Their unique way of life is a testament to the rich tapestry of humanity.

But they also face serious challenges that threaten their very existence.

Indigenous Peoples are often the victims of threats and violence.

Extractive and productive sectors, like mining, agriculture, and transport have accelerated deforestation and land degradation.

Ancestral homelands and natural resources that they depend on for survival are coming under siege.

And their rights to self-determination and agency – enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – are yet to be fulfilled.

This year’s theme reminds us of their rights to protect themselves from unwanted contact.

Contact that can have a devastating impact.

Exposure to infectious diseases, forced assimilation, and the disruption of culture, language, and livelihoods.

Today and every day, the world must stand behind the rights of Indigenous Peoples to chart their own futures.

Together, let us safeguard their rights to live in peace and dignity.

António Guterres.

Other statements

• Statement by United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Mr. José Francisco Calí Tzay on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024.
• Statement by Ms. Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024.
• Statement by Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024. EN | ES | FR
• Statement by Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCOon the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2023; August 9th.

FORUM: “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination.” International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2023.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated globally on 9 August. It marks the date anniversary of the inaugural session of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. This year’s theme "Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination" revindicates the role that indigenous youth must occupy in decision-making while recognizing their dedicated efforts in climate action, the search for justice for their people, and the creation of an intergenerational connection that keeps their culture, traditions, and contributions alive. The panel discussion will focus on ''Climate Action and the Green Transition''; ''Mobilizing for Justice" and "Intergenerational connections".

 

Statement by the United Nations Secretary General on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2023; August 9th.

The theme of this year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is youth. We celebrate young Indigenous Peoples, and their role in creating change and shaping the future.

Across the world, Indigenous Peoples face serious challenges, with their lands and resources threatened, their rights undermined, and their persistent vulnerability to marginalization and exclusion. Young Indigenous Peoples are helping to fight back.

They are leaders in the global climate action movement. They advocate justice and equality, celebrate their cultures, advance human rights and raise awareness of Indigenous history and issues around the world. And, learning from their elders, they ensure the continuity of Indigenous cultures, wisdom, and identities far into the future.

Indigenous knowledge and traditions are deeply rooted in sustainable development and can help to solve many of our common challenges. It is therefore vital that young Indigenous Peoples, both women and men, are involved in decision-making. The choices made today will determine the world of tomorrow.

So, let us reaffirm our commitment to guaranteeing the individual and collective rights of young Indigenous Peoples as well as supporting their engagement in global dialogues and decision-making. And together, build a better future for us all.

António Guterres.

EVENTS: The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is organizing a virtual commemoration of the International Day on Wednesday, 9 August 2023. Indigenous Peoples, Member States, United Nations entities, civil society, and the public are all invited. The virtual commemoration will include an opening segment with a traditional ceremony, followed by a pre-recorded statement from United Nations high level officials and a virtual statement from the Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The interactive dialogue segment will include the participation of invited speakers and a moderator. Speakers will share their expertise and experience from their Indigenous Peoples’ communities in the role of Indigenous youth in exercising self-determination in the context of climate action and the green transition; mobilizing for justice; and intergenerational connections.

In the lead-up to the Sustainable Development Goals Summit in September 2023, marking the mid-point of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and the Summit of the Future in 2024, it is important to ensure an inclusive and diverse youth engagement in multilateral fora towards transformative changes in decision-making processes

 Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination

 The right of peoples to self-determination occupies an important place in international human rights law, and is recognized as a fundamental right in major human rights instruments (covenants), including the United Nations Charter. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) states that Indigenous Peoples have the right to self-determination (Art. 3) and in exercising this right, they have the right to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. Self-determination is fundamental and must be taken together with Articles 1 and 2 of the UN Declaration because Indigenous Peoples are subject to international human rights law and as Peoples are equal to all other Peoples. These three articles of the UN Declaration confirm that Indigenous Peoples, including children and youth, have the right to make their own decisions and carry them out meaningfully and culturally appropriate to them. In other words, Indigenous Peoples have an equal right to govern themselves, equal to all other Peoples. Indigenous youth are playing an active role in exercising their right to self-determination, as their future depends on the decisions that are made today. For instance, Indigenous youth are working as agents of change at the forefront of some of the most pressing crises facing humanity today. Since colonization, Indigenous youth have been faced with ever-changing environments not only culturally in modern societies, but in the traditional context as well. While living in two worlds is becoming harder as the world changes, Indigenous youth are harnessing cutting-edge technologies and developing new skills to offer solutions and contribute to a more sustainable, peaceful future for our people and planet. Their representation and participation in global efforts towards climate change mitigation, peacebuilding and digital cooperation are crucial for the effective implementation of the right of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination, and to their enjoyment of collective and individual human rights, the promotion of peaceful co-existence, and ensuring equality of all. 

Climate action and the green transition 

Indigenous youth in their communities play differentiated roles and functions, from which derive certain rights, responsibilities, abilities, and social recognition. Their roles and functions can differ according to their cosmovision and Indigenous languages. For example, from an early age Indigenous youth, both boys and girls, are trained by their parents, the community and nature to participate in family activities, socialize with their peers and elders, through games, imitation and collaborating in activities such as agriculture, shepherding, sowing, and household chores, as well as in the way community ties are established between them. Therefore, Indigenous youth also have an intimate relationship with the land and biodiversity. Importantly, ways of living for Indigenous youth are changing due to evolving social, cultural, political, and economic contexts. For example, education systems that are not culturally appropriate and do not include or value the cultural reality of Indigenous knowledge, the misuse of new communications technologies that stereotype Indigenous ways of life, and the expansion of extractive and resource-exploitation companies that undermine Indigenous Peoples’ values and societies. However, Indigenous youth have been changing this reality and becoming key players in the global climate action movement. As the next generation, Indigenous youth are positioning Indigenous Peoples' unique alternative solutions to climate change and issues related to the ‘green transition’, especially where the development of many green technologies, such as mineral extraction and hydroelectric dams, are harming Indigenous Peoples’ lands, territories, resources and rights. The issues raised by Indigenous youth in the climate change debate can offer important insights into climate action and sustainable resource management, and they must be afforded a seat at all levels of decision-making table.

Mobilizing for Justice 

Discrimination impacts the lives of Indigenous youth in ways that affect their self-esteem, loss of spiritual richness, loss of language and denial of their cultural roots. Many Indigenous youth face multiple barriers, cultural clashes, and different influences that over time, push them to acquire an identity that is foreign to their place of origin to avoid being the object of discrimination and racism, in extreme cases rejecting their culture, languages, and the practice of ancestral customs. In some cases, entire generations of Indigenous youth have grown up out of their communities but have retained a connection to their lands and territories through their families, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations or others. Despite these challenges, there are examples of Indigenous youth participation in Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, in urban and rural areas, and even outside national borders, who are revitalizing and promoting their cultural identities. They are organizing diverse activities to strengthen cultural identity, participating in assemblies, and sharing cultural spaces with Indigenous elders, and creating a solidarity network among Indigenous youth. The new generation of Indigenous advocates are mobilizing to shift the narrative around Indigenous Peoples. They have become the driving force for societal change through social mobilization, making use of online platforms to showcase and celebrate their cultures, languages, and knowledge systems to a wider audience, and to highlight injustices within their communities. Through their voices, Indigenous youth are sharing their stories and building solidarity among other young people, in turn raising awareness of Indigenous Peoples’ issues, both at home and abroad.

Intergenerational connections 

As they find their place in society, identity is fundamental for Indigenous youth. Individual and collective identity is also attached to the land, language, traditional livelihoods, ceremonies, arts, crafts, and family members and society as a whole. Identity is transferred through family ties: the transmission of the history of the land and the transfer of knowledge. Consequently, it is important to have an intergenerational dialogue between youth and elders, because youth represent continuity along the path already walked by their ancestors. As the keepers of traditional and scientific knowledge, Indigenous elders hold the key to Indigenous Peoples’ cultures, values and cosmovision. Indigenous elders teach Indigenous youth and children the importance of family, community, nature and their responsibilities within these structures. Therefore, the connection between the generations is a crucial aspect of Indigenous Peoples’ wellbeing, as it facilitates the transfer of Indigenous knowledge and fosters strong bonds between generations. As the future custodians of the planet, Indigenous youth have a wealth of resources and expertise right at their fingertips, simply by connecting with the teachings of their grandparents, who also have learned from their ancestors. Finally, there is a need to strengthen intergenerational dialogue as well as the dialogue between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Peoples, so that future relationships will be positive for many generations to come.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2022, August 9th.

FORUM: "The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge."International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2022.

Indigenous women are the backbone of indigenous peoples’ communities and play a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of traditional ancestral knowledge. They have an integral collective and community role as carers of natural resources and keepers of scientific knowledge. Many indigenous women are also taking the lead in the defence of lands and territories and advocating for indigenous peoples’ collective rights worldwide.

The significance of indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge is widely acknowledged: “Long before the development of modern science, which is quite young, indigenous peoples have developed their ways of knowing how to survive and also of ideas about meanings, purposes and values.” As noted by the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples, the term “scientific knowledge” is also used to underscore that traditional knowledge is contemporary and dynamic, and of equal value to other kinds of knowledge.

International consultations jointly facilitated by UNESCO and the Internal Council of Science (ICSU) states that “Traditional knowledge is a cumulative body of knowledge, know-how, practices and representations maintained and developed by peoples with extended histories of interaction with the natural environment. These sophisticated sets of understandings, interpretations and meanings are part and parcel of a cultural complex that encompasses language, naming and classification systems, resource use practices, ritual, spirituality and worldviews.”

However, despite the crucial role that indigenous women play in their communities as breadwinners, caretakers, knowledge keepers, leaders and human rights defenders, they often suffer from intersecting levels of discrimination on the basis of gender, class, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Their right to self-determination, self-governance and control of resources and ancestral lands have been violated over centuries.

Small but significant progress has been made by indigenous women in decision-making processes in some communities. They are leaders at local and national levels, and stand at the frontlines of defending their lands, their cultures, and their communities. The reality, however, remains that indigenous women are widely under-represented, disproportionately negatively affected by decisions made on their behalf, and are too frequently the victims of multiple expressions of discrimination and violence.

The Committee of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) highlighted some of the major issues encountered by indigenous women, particularly noting the high levels of poverty; low levels of education and illiteracy; limitations in access to health, basic sanitation, credit and employment; limited participation in political life; and the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence.

Statement by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on World's Indigenous Peoples Day, 9 August 2022.

On this year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we are highlighting the role of Indigenous women in preserving and passing on traditional knowledge.

Indigenous women are knowledge keepers of traditional food systems and medicines.

They are champions of Indigenous languages and cultures.

They defend the environment and Indigenous peoples’ human rights.

To build and equitable and sustainable future that leaves no one behind, we must amplify the voices of Indigenous women.

Indigenous traditional knowledge can offer solutions to many of our common challenges.

On my recent visit to Suriname, I learned first-hand how Indigenous peoples are protecting their rainforest and its rich biodiversity.

On this International Day, I call on Member States to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to promote Indigenous traditional knowledge for the benefit of all.

António Guterres

• EVENTS: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2022, Virtual commemoration, 9 August.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated globally on 9 August. It marks the date of the inaugural session of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is organizing a virtual commemoration of the International Day from 9 am to 11am (EST) on Tuesday, 9 August 2022, focusing on this year’s theme: “The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge”. Indigenous Peoples, Member States, UN entities, civil society, and the public are all invited.

The virtual commemoration will include an interactive dialogue segment with invited speakers, moderated by Ms Rosemary Lane, Acting Chief of the Indigenous Peoples Development Branch – Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Speakers will share their expertise and experience from their indigenous communities in preserving, reviving, retaining, and transmitting the traditional ancestral knowledge in various fields of communal activities, including but not limited to effective and sustainable climate solutions, use of natural resources, protection of biodiversity, ensuring food security, promoting native languages and culture, and managing indigenous science and medicine.

Some of the questions to be discussed are:

• What is the unique position of indigenous women in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge?
• What are some of the brightest examples of indigenous women-led processes in solving contemporary global issues through the effective application of traditional scientific knowledge?
• How are indigenous languages crucial to the development, preservation, and transmission of indigenous cultural and knowledge systems? How are women leading the way in maintaining indigenous languages?
• What was the effect of applying indigenous scientific knowledge and medicine in alleviating the consequences of the COVID-19 epidemiologic crisis?

Panel Speakers

• Archana Soreng (Kharia) – Member of UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
• Aili Keskitalo (Sámi)  – Former President of the Sámi Parliament of Norway
• Zakiyatou Oualet Halatine (Touareg) – Former Minister of Tourism & Handicrafts, Mali
• Hannah McGlade (Noongar) – Member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

 

Commentary 

Commentary on Panel Discussion by His Excellency Ambassador Diego Pary Rodriguez (Quechua), Permanent Representative of Bolivia to the United Nations.

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International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2016, August 9.

Международный день коренных народов мира, 9 августа.
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, 9 August.
世界土著人民国际日, 8月9日.
Día Internacional de los Pueblos Indígenas, 9 de agosto.
Journée internationale des peuples autochtones, 9 août.
 أغسطس 9.,اليوم الدولي للشعوب الأصلية في العالم



Theme 2016 : Indigenous Peoples' Right to Education.

Statement by the United Nations Secretary- General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon for the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2016, August 9.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by world leaders last year, is predicated on the principle of leaving no one behind in the journey to a world of peace and dignity, opportunity and prosperity.  Among those most vulnerable to being left behind are indigenous peoples.
Indigenous peoples face a wide range of challenges including systematic discrimination, denial of their land and territorial rights and inadequate access to essential services.  Indigenous peoples regularly face stigmatization of their cultural identity and lack of respect and recognition for their heritage and values, including in textbooks and other educational materials.  Their marginalization is often compounded by language barriers.  Instruction is mainly in the national language, with little or no instruction in, or recognition of, indigenous languages. 
This has grave consequences.  Around the globe, indigenous youth are graduating from high school at rates well below the national average.  In some countries, less than 40 per cent of indigenous children attend school full-time.  In many others, few indigenous children complete a full high school education.  This is unacceptable.  We will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals if we fail to address the educational needs of indigenous peoples.
In recent decades, the world has progressed considerably in advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples.  The United Nations now has three specific mechanisms to advance their cause: the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues; the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  We also have the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  Adopted by the General Assembly on 13 September 2007, the Declaration is the definitive benchmark for the recognition, promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples.
In September 2014, the first World Conference on Indigenous Peoples adopted an action oriented outcome document to achieve the ends of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  As a direct result we now have a UN System Wide Action Plan to promote awareness and action to support the implementation of the UN Declaration, particularly at the country level.
On this International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, I call on Governments everywhere to draw on the guidance of this international framework to improve access to education for indigenous peoples and to reflect their experiences and culture in places of learning.  Let us commit to ensuring indigenous peoples are not left behind as we pursue the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Other Statements

• Message from Director-General of UNESCO
• Message from Director General of WIPO
• Message from the Executive Secretary of the CBD 
• Message from Executive Director of UN Women
• Joint Message from the UN Mechanisms on Indigenous Peoples
• Message from UNICEF, UNFPA and UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Regional Directors  
• Message from ILO Director-General
• Message from the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh
• Message from UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and Caribbean 

Forum : International Day of the World’s Indigenous People - August 9.
On Twitter, follow #WeAreIndigenous and @UN4Indigenous

The right of indigenous peoples to education is protected by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which in Article 14 states that “Indigenous peoples have the right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions providing education in their own languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning.”
The right of indigenous peoples to education is also protected by a number of other international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for ensuring equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations.
In spite of these instruments, the right to education has not been fully realized for most indigenous peoples, and a critical education gap exists between indigenous peoples and the general population.
Where data exist, they show consistent and persistent disparities between the indigenous and the non-indigenous population in terms of educational access, retention and achievement, in all regions of the world.
The education sector not only mirrors the historical abuses, discrimination and marginalization suffered by indigenous peoples, but also reflects their continued struggle for equality and respect for their rights as peoples and as individuals.

EVENTS: Commemoration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2016.

 

International Day of The World's Indigenous Peoples 2016,  Special Event at UN Headquarters.

Tuesday, 9 August 2016

ECOSOC Chamber
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Live broadcasting : Press briefing on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People - August 9, with a focus on Indigenous peoples and the ' right to education. UN Web TV Speakers: Álvaro Pop, Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (Maya Q'eqchi, Guatemala); Karla Jessen Williamson, University of Saskatchewan, Canada (Inuit, Greenland); Octaviana Trujillo, Northern Arizona University (Yaqui, USA).

    

Indigenous Peoples' Organizations, National Human Rights Institutions, indigenous Members of Parliament, and friends of indigenous peoples could registered.

    
Indigenous Peoples' Right to Education - Interactive dialogue. UN Web TV

On the occasion of the International Day of The World’s Indigenous Peoples 2016, this event was co-organized by the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, United Nations DESA Division for Social Policy and Development - DSPD, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), and the UN DPI (Department of Public Information).

 

 

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2016, Events around the world.

 

UN Information Centres around the world are holding events and activities in observance of the International Day on or around 9 August 2016.

 Among them are:

Colombia: Events on the right to education across nine different localities, as well as an event bringing together indigenous peoples from across the region to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda), with a special focus on access to education.
Ghana: Visit by a youth group to a children's home in a rural community of indigenous peoples.
Peru: Dialogue with Tarcila Rivera, incoming member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, with 250 students from 10 schools, with a special focus on the right of indigenous peoples to education.
Sri Lanka: Discussion session with the indigenous Vedda people in the remote village of Dambana, to raise awareness of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Indonesia: Events in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago, including a parade showcasing indigenous traditions, dress, music and arts; a one-day seminar on improving access to education for indigenous populations; and performances by some of Indonesia’s over 1,000 indigenous tribes.
Honduras: Event with the indigenous Pech people in a rural community of Olancho, to promote education and food security rights and showcase indigenous traditions, music and art.


Publications :

Minority Group International -  The State of the World' Minorities and Indigenous Peoples 2016

The 2016 edition of State of the World’s Minorities and Indigenous Peoples highlights the impact of Armed Conflict, Indigenous land rights, Ancestral Lands dispossession, Forced assimilation and Discrimination on the most fundamental aspects of minority and indigenous identities, namely their Languages, Art, Traditional Knowledge and Spirituality.

The State of the World' Minorities and Indigenous Peoples 2016