Overview

The UNDP is the United Nations' lead agency on international development. This committee addresses the urgent need to protect the rights, traditions, and futures of indigenous communities across the globe. These groups often hold deep spiritual and ecological relationships with their lands, making them vital defenders of biodiversity. However, they face systemic marginalization, displacement, and cultural erasure. The committee seeks to promote indigenous sovereignty, cultural preservation, and sustainable development, while challenging exploitative models of conservation that exclude native voices. Delegates must work toward frameworks that respect indigenous agency, knowledge systems, and the diversity of their lived realities. 

Topic 1: Approaching the Loss of Indigenous Language and Culture

At this conference, the first topic will be Approaching the Loss of Indigenous Language and Culture. Indigenous languages and cultural practices are rapidly disappearing due to colonial legacies, forced assimilation, urbanization, and lack of institutional support. The loss of language often results in the erosion of oral histories, rituals, and unique worldviews. Delegates should explore how to fund and implement bilingual education, community media, and intergenerational language transmission. What protections should be embedded in national constitutions or international agreements? How can indigenous peoples lead their own cultural revival efforts, rather than being passive recipients of aid? Revitalizing language and tradition is not just about heritage - it is about identity, sovereignty, and survival.

Topic 2: Empowering Economic Growth

Additionally, the second topic will be Empowering Economic Growth. While indigenous communities often face poverty and economic marginalization, development efforts that ignore cultural values can cause more harm than good. Delegates must discuss how to support indigenous-led enterprises—whether in ecotourism, sustainable resource management, or traditional crafts—while safeguarding autonomy and environmental balance. How can land tenure security and access to finance be improved without commodifying sacred spaces or reinforcing colonial economic patterns? Should international development banks and governments create tailored investment mechanisms for indigenous economies? Delegates must advocate for models of prosperity that honor indigenous identity and self-determination.

More information will be released in the coming months!