The Asia Young Indigenous Peoples Network (AYIPN) extends its warmest greetings to all Indigenous youth who, over the past year, tirelessly contributed their strength, talents, and voices in standing firm to defend our rights.
As we begin a new year, may we carry forward the lessons we have learned. May our weaknesses inspire us to continuously improve, and may our strengths serve as tools to further strengthen our unity in defense of our communities.
Despite the many challenges and threats we faced—particularly the displacement of our communities due to destructive development aggression projects and the militarization that accompanies them—we remained steadfast. Together with our communities, we stood strong as a collective force to defend our lands and assert our right to remain on them.
We became voices in numerous dialogues and spaces at the regional and global levels, showcasing the strength and leadership of Indigenous youth in Asia. Let us continue to carry the torch of light in the struggle for our rights, land, and culture—advancing our right to self-determination and strengthening the call for Indigenous Lands in Indigenous Hands!
