The 23rd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, gathering representatives from various indigenous communities worldwide.

The Russian delegation took part in discussions on economic and social development, culture, environmental protection, education, healthcare, and human rights. Representatives of indigenous peoples from organizations and parliaments from different regions of as well as winners and finalists of the second season of the All-Russian educational program for indigenous peoples ‎School of Public Diplomacy, participated in the event as part of the Russian delegation.

Russia traditionally emphasized unique position in preserving its smallest indigenous communities and their way of life.

Unlike many regions, Russia has preserved its smallest peoples and their way of life. This allows us to rely on our own proven standards and opinions on many issues,‎ noted Igor Barinov, the head of the Federal Agency for Nationalities of Russia.

The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was established in 2000 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It consists of 16 experts, some of whom are nominated by governments, while others are nominated by indigenous groups for a three-year term. According to the UN press service, more than 476 million representatives of indigenous peoples (6.2% of the world's population) live in 90 countries worldwide. The vast majority of the approximately 7,000 languages ​​on our planet are indigenous languages. Indigenous minority peoples constitute 15% of the poorest inhabitants of the planet. Their culture is under threat, and the protection and promotion of rights in many countries are not adequately ensured, according to experts.

This year, the main theme of the forum was the involvement of youth in defending the rights of indigenous peoples.

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