Thursday, July 2, 2026 (Nokinketer News): Nagaland University research scholar Repakaba Tzudir of the Department of Sociology, Lumami, represented the university at the United Nations World Indigenous Youth Conference 2026 held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on June 13 and 14.

The conference, co-organised by the Youth Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (YFIN), Nepal, and the National Youth Council (NYC), Nepal, was held under the theme “Our Roots, Our Rights, Our Leadership: Collective Indigenous Movement for Self-Determination.” It brought together nearly 150 Indigenous youth leaders, activists, academics and community representatives from across Asia.

Tzudir attended the conference as an International Delegate and Indigenous Scholar alongside participants from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and different parts of India. He also served as a panel speaker during the session on “Indigenous Youth Movement in Asia,” where he highlighted the challenges faced by Naga youth, particularly unemployment, and observed that immediate socio-economic concerns often overshadow broader Indigenous issues and aspirations.

Reflecting on his participation, Tzudir said the conference demonstrated how Indigenous communities across countries share common concerns despite their diverse histories and cultures. He noted that discussions centred on protecting Indigenous identity, safeguarding traditional lands and cultures, and creating opportunities for young people.

He said one of the key themes that emerged during the conference was the challenge of balancing the preservation of Indigenous identity with pressing economic realities such as unemployment, migration, limited educational and livelihood opportunities, and the gradual loss of Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge.

Tzudir observed that in Nagaland, unemployment often becomes the immediate priority for many young people, making it difficult to actively engage with wider Indigenous issues. At the same time, he said he was encouraged by the efforts of Indigenous youth organisations across Asia in promoting leadership, advocacy, cultural revitalisation and community participation.

Emphasising the need for an integrated approach, he said economic development and Indigenous identity should not be viewed as competing priorities. Instead, he stressed that young people should be provided with sustainable livelihood opportunities while remaining connected to their communities, cultures and values.

He further underscored the importance of investing in youth leadership, strengthening community-based initiatives and fostering regional collaborations to shape the future of Indigenous voices.

According to the university, Tzudir’s participation strengthened networks among Indigenous youth across Asia and reinforced his commitment to research, advocacy and community engagement for Indigenous peoples.

Participation in the conference was supported by the Indigenous Peoples of Asia Solidarity Fund (IPAS Fund) and the Youth Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (YFIN), Nepal, which provided travel and hospitality support.

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