Repakaba Tzudir along with other panelist during the United Nations World Indigenous Youth Conference 2026 held in Kathmandu, Nepal on June 14. (Photo Courtesy: Nagaland University)
Lumami, June 29 (MExN): Nagaland University research scholar Repakaba Tzudir of the Department of Sociology represented the university at the United Nations World Indigenous Youth Conference 2026 held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The two-day conference, held on June 13 and 14, was co-organised by the Youth Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (YFIN), Nepal, and the National Youth Council (NYC), Nepal, 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 participated as an international delegate and Indigenous scholar alongside representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and various parts of India.
He also served as a panel speaker during the session on "Indigenous Youth Movement in Asia," where he spoke on the challenges faced by Naga youth, particularly unemployment and how immediate socio-economic concerns often overshadow broader Indigenous issues and aspirations.
Reflecting on the conference, Tzudir said one of the most significant experiences was recognising the shared concerns of Indigenous communities across different countries.
"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 said.
He said discussions highlighted the challenge of preserving Indigenous identity while responding to pressing economic realities such as unemployment, migration, limited educational and livelihood opportunities, and the gradual erosion of Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge.
"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 said.
Tzudir said he was encouraged by the efforts of Indigenous youth organisations across Asia in promoting leadership, advocacy, cultural revitalisation and community participation.
He said Nagaland could learn from these experiences by recognising that economic development and Indigenous identity should not be treated as competing priorities.
"Young people need opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods while remaining connected to their communities, cultures and values," he said, adding that investment in youth leadership, community-based initiatives and regional collaboration would strengthen Indigenous voices.
According to the university, the conference strengthened networks among Indigenous youth leaders and deepened participants' understanding of common challenges across the region, reinforcing Tzudir's commitment to research, advocacy and community engagement.
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.
