The Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network is an alliance of indigenous youth organizations in Asia and the Pacific. It aims to promote and defend the rights of indigenous peoples in general, and the indigenous youth in particular. The Network intends to contribute to building the capacity and self-confidence of indigenous youth in the Asia-Pacific Region by providing systems of information, exchange and networking. It prioritizes on mobilizing the catalytic role of indigenous youth by facilitating exchange of ideas, analysis and experiences that they in turn can contribute and share with their indigenous communities.

History

In April 2002, the Cordillera Peoples Alliance–Youth Commission convened the 1st International Indigenous Youth Conference (IIYC) in Baguio City, hosting 83 delegates from 19 countries in Asia, Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America. The IIYC was organized with the goal of mutual sharing and learning among indigenous youth, towards forging a common voice in response to the challenges of globalization and its impact on indigenous peoples around the world.

The international gathering developed and strengthened solidarity relations among indigenous youth representatives from around the world. The conference recognized the need to empower the indigenous youth so that they can play a bigger positive role in addressing the problems faced by indigenous peoples worldwide. It was resolved that the delegates should work towards the establishment of an indigenous youth network in their respective global regions, while at the same time strengthening their local organizations.

The Asia-Pacific delegates to the IIYC held a workshop where they agreed to build the Asia-Pacific Indigenous Youth Network (APIYN).

Goal of the Network

The Network intends to contribute to building the capacity and self-confidence of indigenous youth in the Asia-Pacific region by providing systems of information, exchange and networking. It prioritizes on mobilizing the catalytic role of indigenous youth by facilitating exchange of ideas, analysis and experiences that they in turn can contribute and share with their indigenous communities.

Objectives

• Disseminate the different issues that confronts the indigenous peoples and the indigenous youth in particular.
• Coordinate and campaign on pressing issues if the indigenous youth like education, militarization, mining, etc.
• Coordinate and facilitate exchange programs and integration among the different member organizations.
• Strenghten its organizational capacity by actively epanding its membership.
• Promote and disseminate the resolutions of the International Indigenous Youth Conference.

Programs

1. Leadership Trainings and Workshps
2. Facilitation of networking among IP youth organizations in the Asia-Pacific region
3. Launching of campaigns and lobbying the advocacy of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Youth issues
4. Launching of the APIYN conference, National Youth Jams, and Youth-Elders Dialogues

Membership

Membership to the APIYN is open to all organizations, IP youth advocates and individuals. Qualified organizations are indigenous youth organizations, youths representing indigenous peoples organizations and youth organizations that has a clear program or plans on indigenous youth/peoples concerns. These organizations must be based in Asia and the Pacific.

We need your support.

Join the network or contribute technical, material or financial support for our activities and projects.