Indigenous Leaders from 80 countries convene in New York for Global Peace Summit

2037 as the International Decade on Indigenous Peacebuilding alongside the creation of a Peace Caucus at the United Nations.

It said additional initiatives included the launch of the Indigenous Mothers' March for Peace, Healing and Global Unity, a global movement led by Indigenous women that will travel worldwide over the next two years, and a collective call to reduce armed conflicts by 50% through prevention, dialogue and Indigenous-led peace processes.

The statement quoted Manal Taha, Woman Peace Mediator from Sudan as saying “For generations, Indigenous Peoples have upheld systems of peace rooted in respect, responsibility and balance with the natural world.”

It added that Taha said “At a time when conflicts are intensifying globally, it is essential that these approaches are recognized and embraced. This Summit represents an important step toward bringing Indigenous diplomacy and leadership into global peace processes.”

It quoted Adam Kuleit Ole M Lemareka, Maasai Elder from Tanzania as saying “True peace cannot exist without justice, without recognition of our rights, and without respect for our cultures and lands.”

It added that Lemareka said “This Summit is a powerful step toward ensuring that Indigenous voices are shaping the global agenda for peace and reconciliation.”

The statement also quoted Sara Olsvig, Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council as saying “Protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples is inseparable from global peacebuilding. As Arctic Peoples, we have protected our region for time immemorial, and we insist on our homeland to be a region of peace and cooperation.”

It added that Olsvig said “I look forward to attending this important global summit on Indigenous Peoples and peacebuilding—to learn and listen, and to share knowledge in the efforts to ensure peace and cooperation wherever we live.”

The summit will include dialogues, ceremonies, cultural expressions and discussions led by Indigenous leaders from around the world.

It will also recognize 100 Indigenous peacebuilders for their contributions to peace and humanity.

An exhibition called “Weaving Peace: Healing Lives” will also be held alongside the two-day Summit.

The statement said, “As the international community searches for pathways beyond war and division, the summit seeks to highlight Indigenous knowledge systems as vital to building a more just, peaceful and sustainable future.”

---GNA