A united and vibrant Council of Leaders (COL) of the Asia Young Indigenous Peoples Network (AYIPN) successfully held its meeting from October 11 to 15, 2019 in Baguio City, Philippines. The three-day meeting and two-day integration with Cordillera indigenous people’s organizations were attended by 20 members of the COL, Advisory Council and Secretariat from Nepal, Bangladesh, Northeast India, Cambodia and Philippines. Unfortunately, COL members from Mainland India, Indonesia and Malaysia were unable to attend due to rejection of visa and urgent schedules.
The meeting served in strengthening the network. It came out with a Strategic Plan (2019-2021) and specific planning for immediate activities. It also served as a preparatory meeting for the network’s General Assembly that is planned to be held in 2020 or 2021. The meeting also served as venue for sharing and learning by the participants on the situation and campaigns of indigenous youth in Cambodia, Northeast India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Philippines.
The COL members were able to draft its Strategic Plan for years 2020 to 2025 with themes on Capacity Building and Awareness, Campaigns and Advocacy, Organizational Strengthening and Cultural Revitalization. What came out of the Strategic Plan is a need for trainings and workshops pertaining to Sustainable Development Goals, Human Rights documentation, Video-documentary on traditional knowledge and on Cultural exchanges. Also, organizational strengthening of members and engagement with national indigenous youth organizations should be actively done by all members. Each country also gave specific campaigns that they are doing on the ground, such as the full implementation of the CHT Accord in Bangladesh, No To Fossil Fuel Exploration in Nepal, No More Dams in North East India and Save Our School Campaign in the Philippines. The network also shared its campaign on the Indigenous Lands in Indigenous Hands launched in 2013.
The secretariat reported and gave updates on AYIPN’s engagements, activities and projects since 2017. It is further clarified the reasons for the change of the network’s name from Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network (APIYN) to Asia Young Indigenous Peoples Network (AYIPN) in 2017. The change of name was mainly to focus its work in Asia where a majority of its members come from. It was also in recognition of the self-determination of indigenous youth in the Pacific that want to put-up their own regional indigenous youth formation.
The COL also identified recommendations for amendments in the Constitution and By Laws of AYIPN. It was agreed also to reiterate to the network members the duties and responsibilities of the Members, Council of Leaders and Secretariat.
In preparation for the General Assembly of the network, the COL, Advisory Council and secretariat agreed on a concept, timeline and division of tasks. Based from the discussions, a proposed theme for the General Assembly would be on indigenous youth’s role and engagements on the Sustainable Development Goals. The General Assembly shall be held either in Thailand, Nepal or Bangladesh based on the capacity of host member organizations and the available budget. Members of the network are encouraged to contribute in the fund-raising for the Assembly, such as by raising their own travel budget. A written concept shall be drafted by the Secretariat and shared with the network members.
The COL also reviewed the membership of the network. In 2017, AYIPN issued a “Membership Form” for the re-confirmation of AYIPN members and application of new members. 10 organizations submitted their re-confirmation of membership while 25 more have yet to submit. 18 new organizations have applied for membership to the network. Out of the 28 member organizations that submitted Membership Forms in 2017, 21 are indigenous youth organizations and 7 are organizations or institutions working with the youth. The meeting also agreed that AYIPN shall reach out to other indigenous youth organizations and national indigenous youth formations to further amplify the issues, challenges and actions that we, as indigenous youth.
Over-all, the Expanded Council of Leaders Meeting was a big success towards further building and strengthening the network. As we gear towards an active, strong and united network, we thank all members of the network for being a part of AYIPN/APIYN. Let us be the change-makers for a better society, environment and well-being of the present generations and especially for the next generations. ***
Prepared by:
Julius Daguitan, Secretary General
Aisah Mariano, Network Administrator
