Indigenous peoples’ identity and culture are Nepal’s national pride: President Paudel

Kathmandu: The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is being observed today with various programmes around the world.

On the occasion, President Ram Chandra Paudel has said the unique identity, culture and traditions of Nepal’s indigenous peoples are a source of national pride.

Addressing a programme organized by the Indigenous Nationalities Commission, President Paudel said Nepal’s Constitution embraces unity in diversity and guarantees the rights and interests of all communities.

He said Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multilingual, multi-religious and multicultural country, and stressed the need to ensure meaningful participation of indigenous peoples in state policymaking and decision-making.

President Paudel also called for greater access to education and economic opportunities for indigenous communities.

He said Nepal has taken a leading role in promoting indigenous rights internationally and was the first country in South Asia to ratify ILO Convention No. 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.

The President called for the economic empowerment of indigenous peoples by promoting their traditional knowledge, skills and technologies, and linking indigenous culture with tourism.