International Conference on Indigenous-led Research and Education kicks off today

Kicked off Second International Conference on Indigenous-led Research and Education from 29-30 September 2024 in the presence of 152 participants including Indigenous experts, academicians, researchers, professors, students, faculties and community representatives from 16 different countries in Asia, North and South America, Oceania and Africa today. The conference was moderated by Dr Pasang Dolma Sherpa, CIPRED and Ms Mary Beth Jager, University of Michigan. 

The inaugural session of the conference was chaired by Dr Pasang Sherpa in the present of distinguished guests: Hon. Ram Bahadur Thapamagar, Chairperson, Indigenous Nationalities Commission; Prof. Ganeshman Gurung, Chancellor, Gandaki University; Prof. Keshar Jung Baral, Vice Chancellor, Tribhuvan University; Prof. Bal Chandra Luitel, Dean, School of Education, Kathmandu University; Mr. Manoj B Mr. Gelje Lama Sherpa, Chairperson, NEFIN; Mr. Thakur Bhandari, Chairperson, FECOFUN; Ms. Nimi Sherpa, Chairperson, NIWF; and Mr. Jason Meeks, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy; and Mr. Vijaya Singh, Policy Advisor, UNDP

This was followed by key note speech from Prof. Kyle Whyte, University of Michigan; and Prof. Linda Waimarie Nikora, University of Auckland. The conference held sessions on the six sub themes: Climate Change & Indigenous Resilience; Indigenous Education & Development; Indigenous Economy & Food Sovereignty; Natural Resource Conflict & Peace building; Customary Governance & Tenure Rights; and Biodiversity and Conservation.

The conference is organized by CIPRED in collaboration with Indigenous Nationalities Commission, Kathmandu University, University of Michigan, AIPP, Maleya Foundation, CoRE, University of British Columbia, and UNESCO and with support from University of Michigan, Rights and Resources Initiative, FIMI, Pawanka Fund, and UNDP.