Nagaland University scholar Repakaba Tzudir represented India at the United Nations World Indigenous Youth Conference 2026 in Nepal.
DIMAPUR — Nagaland University research scholar Repakaba Tzudir from the Department of Sociology represented the university at the United Nations World Indigenous Youth Conference 2026 held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on June 13 and 14.
According to a university update, the conference was co-organised by the Youth Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (YFIN), Nepal, and the National Youth Council (NYC), Nepal, on the theme, "Our roots, our rights, our leadership: collective indigenous movement for self-determination," bringing 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 along with fellow participants from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and various parts of India.
He was also a panel speaker at the session, “Indigenous youth movement in Asia”, where he shared his views on the realities faced by Naga youth, especially the challenges of unemployment and how immediate socio-economic concerns often overshadow broader Indigenous issues and aspirations.
Reflecting on the experience, Tzudir said, "The most memorable part of the conference was realising how deeply connected our experiences are, despite coming from different countries and cultures. 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."
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He highlighted one conversation that left a lasting impression on him centred on how indigenous youth are balancing the preservation of their traditions while adapting to a rapidly changing world.
"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 said.
According to Tzudir, a common challenge addressed during the conference was 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 repeatedly discussed.
“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 added.
At the same time, he said he was encouraged by the efforts of indigenous youth organisations across Asia in creating spaces for leadership, advocacy, cultural revitalisation, and community participation.
"One important lesson Nagaland can take from these experiences is that economic development and indigenous identity should not be viewed as competing priorities. Young people need opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods while remaining connected to their communities, cultures, and values," he said.
He further added that investing in youth leadership, strengthening community-based initiatives, and fostering regional collaborations will continue to shape the collective future of Indigenous voices.
The experience helped strengthen networks among Indigenous youth and deepened understanding of shared challenges across countries, reinforcing the scholar’s commitment to research, advocacy, and community engagement for Indigenous peoples.
The two-day conference offered a space for dialogue and exchange between indigenous youth leaders, scholars, activists and community representatives from across Asia, building networks of solidarity and deepening understanding of Indigenous movements in the region.
Participation in the conference was supported by the Indigenous Peoples of Asia Solidarity Fund (IPAS Fund) and YFIN Nepal, which provided travel and hospitality support.