At the 74th session of the MUNFW General Assembly Third Committee, Nepal delivered a powerful message on the rights of Indigenous peoples, linking ancient wisdom to modern development goals.

The Nepali delegate began by addressing global inequality: Indigenous communities make up less than 5% of the population but nearly 90% of those living in extreme poverty. Calling this a result of “colonization, historical injustice, and systematic exclusion,” Nepal emphasized that the fight for Indigenous rights is not just moral—but essential for sustainable development.

Nepal highlighted its historic leadership as the first Asian nation to ratify ILO Convention No. 169 and stressed national policies that promote multilingualism, cultural preservation, and inclusive education. The delegate also emphasized the unique needs of Indigenous women and called for stronger investment in UN mechanisms to protect Indigenous rights worldwide.

Nepal linked spiritual values like nonviolence and equality to today’s development challenges. Nepal’s support for Resolution A/74/2/Res.1 underscored its call for stronger land rights, political inclusion, and climate-conscious governance rooted in ancestral knowledge.

The message was well received, with fellow delegations from Afghanistan and Egypt applauding Nepal’s inclusive approach. As the debate continues, Nepal remains committed to building a future where Indigenous peoples are not left behind—but are leading global change.