DIMAPUR: Nagaland University research scholar Repakaba Tzudir from the Department of Sociology, Lumami, represented India at the United Nations World Indigenous Youth Conference 2026 held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
According to a delayed DIPR report, the two-day conference, organised jointly by the Youth Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (YFIN), Nepal and the National Youth Council (NYC), Nepal, was held on June 13–14 under the theme “Our Roots, Our Rights, Our Leadership: Collective Indigenous Movement for Self-Determination.” The event brought together nearly 150 Indigenous youth leaders, activists, academics and community representatives from across Asia.
Tzudir participated as an International Delegate and Indigenous Scholar alongside representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and different parts of India. He was also a panel speaker at the session “Indigenous Youth Movement in Asia,” where he highlighted the realities faced by Naga youth, particularly the challenges of unemployment. He noted that immediate socio-economic concerns often overshadow broader Indigenous issues and aspirations.
Reflecting on his experience, Tzudir said the most memorable aspect of the conference was realising the shared struggles of Indigenous communities across borders. “Although each community has its own history and context, many of us spoke about similar concerns—protecting our identity, safeguarding our lands and cultures, and creating opportunities for young people,” he remarked.
He emphasised the recurring theme of balancing tradition with modern realities. “It reminded me that our struggles are not isolated and that there is great strength in building solidarity and learning from one another across borders,” he added.
According to Tzudir, discussions at the conference repeatedly addressed the tension between preserving Indigenous identity and responding to pressing economic realities. Issues such as unemployment, migration, limited educational and livelihood opportunities, and the gradual loss of Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge were central to the dialogue.
“In Nagaland, unemployment often becomes the immediate concern for many young people, making it difficult to actively engage with broader Indigenous issues and rights,” he observed. At the same time, he expressed encouragement at the efforts of Indigenous youth organisations across Asia in creating spaces for leadership, advocacy, cultural revitalisation, and community participation.
He stressed that economic development and Indigenous identity should not be seen as competing priorities. “Young people need opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods while remaining connected to their communities, cultures and values,” he said. He further underlined the importance of investing in youth leadership, strengthening community-based initiatives, and fostering regional collaborations to shape the collective future of Indigenous voices.
The conference provided a platform for dialogue and exchange among Indigenous youth leaders, scholars, activists, and community representatives, reinforcing networks of solidarity and deepening understanding of Indigenous movements in Asia. Tzudir’s participation, supported by the Indigenous Peoples of Asia Solidarity Fund (IPAS Fund) and YFIN Nepal, strengthened his commitment to research, advocacy and community engagement for Indigenous peoples.
