MANILA -- In line with the ongoing 23rd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Australian and Philippine governments took the opportunity to host an event that provides platform for the youth to convey the challenges they face and to share their contributions relative to bridging the gap between living in the mainstream society and preserving cultural heritage. 

Testament to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples’ advocacy to recognize and promote the role of the youth as agents of positive change among communities, NCIP actively participates in the "Custodians of our Future: The Voices of the Youth”, a co-sponsored side event of the Australian and Philippine government.

Represented by Commissioner Atty. Pinky Grace Pareja and Foreign Assisted Programs and International Relations Office (FAPIRO) Director Ms. Dahlialyn Dait-Cawed, MNSA, NCIP shared its insights and opinions on the crucial role of the youth as advocates for change. Further, NCIP underscored that it is the role of the government to ensure that the youth are provided with the necessary tools and a conducive environment to foster and develop their full potential.

Moreover, Commissioner Pareja and Director Cawed shared with the participants the different programs of NCIP for the Indigenous youth, giving them a brief background on how the Philippine government gives support to the Indigenous Peoples and the development of the youth in general.

Participants of the event are distinguished representatives from the different UN member countries, youth leaders, and concerned non-government organizations. (NCIP)