Indigenous leaders from all corners of the globe have gathered in New York for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFI) over the past week. This forum serves as a crucial platform for Indigenous peoples to bring their concerns to the attention of international authorities, especially when their own governments have failed to address these issues. The focus of this year’s Forum is on how U.N. member states have upheld or neglected the rights of Indigenous peoples, with discussions ranging from the impact of extractive industries on the environment to climate change and violence against women.
One striking feature of the UNPFI is the intergenerational collaboration that takes place. Young Indigenous individuals work alongside elders and leaders to develop solutions and tackle ongoing challenges. Grist had the opportunity to interview seven Indigenous youth participating in this year’s Forum, representing regions such as Africa, the Pacific, North and South America, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Arctic.
Joshua Amponsem, a 33-year-old Asante from Ghana, is the founder of the Green Africa Youth Organization, a youth-led group advocating for energy sustainability in Africa. He is also the co-director of the Youth Climate Justice Fund, which supports youth engagement in climate change solutions. Amponsem highlighted the detrimental impact of the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development, affecting the communities and organizations he works with. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to fighting for climate justice and supporting groups like Africa Youth Pastoralist Initiatives.
Janell Dymus-Kurei, a 32-year-old Māori from the East Coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, is a fellow with the Commonwealth Fund focusing on improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations. She aims to draw attention to legislation that threatens Māori treaty rights, emphasizing the importance of defending these rights. Dymus-Kurei brought her two young children to the Forum, underscoring the significance of involving children, especially Indigenous women, in such discussions.
Avery Doxtator, a 22-year-old Oneida, Anishinaabe, and Dakota individual, serves as the president of the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) in Canada, supporting urban Indigenous youth across the country. At the Forum, she raised awareness about the rights of Indigenous peoples living in urban areas and the challenges they face, including border and immigration restrictions. Doxtator stressed the importance of protecting Indigenous peoples’ self-determination, even for those residing in urban settings away from their traditional territories.
The participation of Indigenous youth in the UNPFI reflects their commitment to addressing pressing issues and advocating for their communities’ rights. Despite facing obstacles and systemic challenges, these young leaders remain resilient and determined to create positive change for Indigenous peoples worldwide. “They fund us, and they are our allies,” Aguinda said. “But they need to listen to us and not impose their solutions on us. They need to respect our ways of life and our traditional knowledge.”
Aguinda emphasized the need for Indigenous peoples to have a seat at the table when it comes to decisions that affect their lands and communities. She believes that Indigenous knowledge is essential for finding sustainable solutions to climate change and protecting the environment.
The stories of Liudmyla Korotkykh, Toni Chiran, Aviaaija Baadsgaard, and Cindy Sisa Andy Aguinda highlight the diverse challenges faced by Indigenous communities around the world. Despite living in different countries and facing unique struggles, these individuals share a common goal of advocating for Indigenous rights and preserving their cultures.
By participating in forums like the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, these activists are able to amplify their voices and raise awareness about the issues affecting their communities. Through collaboration and solidarity, they hope to create a more just and equitable world for Indigenous peoples everywhere.
Last year, the United States made a commitment to provide around 40 million dollars in aid to a particular country through USAID. This funding was intended to support various initiatives aimed at protecting Indigenous lands and promoting environmental conservation. However, in a surprising turn of events, the Trump administration decided to terminate the majority of the department in March, leaving many projects in limbo.
One individual deeply affected by this decision is Cindy Sisa, a dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental protection. Through a translator, she expressed her concerns about the lack of support from both local authorities and international organizations. Only a small fraction of the funding allocated for Indigenous-led initiatives actually reaches the communities that need it the most. Despite these challenges, Cindy remains hopeful for the future and is determined to continue fighting for the preservation of the rainforest and Indigenous territories.
In her efforts to raise awareness about the importance of Indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices, Cindy hopes to attend COP30 in Brazil, a crucial global summit on climate change. She understands the value of sharing ancestral wisdom with the world and believes that Indigenous tribes play a vital role in safeguarding the environment for future generations. For Cindy, the fight to protect cultural identity and natural resources is a daily struggle, but one that she is willing to undertake for the sake of her community and the planet.
As she looks ahead to the future, Cindy emphasizes the urgent need for continued support and collaboration from governments, organizations, and individuals around the world. The challenges facing Indigenous communities in the Amazon are immense, but with determination and solidarity, she believes that positive change is possible. Through platforms like the UNPFII and COP30, Cindy hopes to amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples and advocate for sustainable solutions to the pressing environmental issues we face today.
In conclusion, Cindy Sisa’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities in the face of adversity. By standing together and sharing their knowledge with the world, these communities have the potential to shape a more sustainable and equitable future for all. It is essential that we listen to their voices, support their initiatives, and work towards a more inclusive and environmentally conscious society. The world is constantly changing and evolving, with new technologies and innovations being introduced every day. One area that has seen significant advancements in recent years is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It has the ability to learn, reason, and make decisions like humans, and has the potential to revolutionize various industries.
One of the most exciting applications of AI is in the field of healthcare. AI has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and increase efficiency in hospitals and clinics. AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends that may not be obvious to human healthcare providers. This can lead to more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and better overall care for patients.
AI can also be used to streamline administrative tasks in healthcare settings, such as scheduling appointments, processing insurance claims, and managing electronic health records. By automating these tasks, healthcare providers can save time and resources, allowing them to focus more on patient care.
Another area where AI is making a big impact is in the transportation industry. Self-driving cars, powered by AI algorithms, are already being tested on roads around the world. These vehicles have the potential to reduce traffic accidents, improve traffic flow, and increase mobility for people who are unable to drive themselves.
AI is also being used in the financial sector to detect fraudulent transactions, predict stock market trends, and automate customer service processes. By analyzing data in real-time, AI systems can identify potential risks and opportunities, helping financial institutions make better decisions and improve their bottom line.
In the field of education, AI-powered systems are being used to personalize learning experiences for students. These systems can analyze students’ strengths and weaknesses, and tailor educational content to meet their individual needs. This can help students learn more efficiently and effectively, leading to better academic outcomes.
While the potential benefits of AI are vast, there are also concerns about the ethical implications of using these technologies. Issues such as privacy, bias, and job displacement need to be carefully considered as AI continues to advance.
Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, from healthcare and transportation to finance and education. By harnessing the power of AI, we can create a more efficient, innovative, and connected world for future generations.
