Photo Courtesy: nenow
Kohima: Nagaland University research scholar Repakaba Tzudir traveled to Kathmandu to represent his school at the UN World Indigenous Youth Conference 2026. The event drew nearly 150 leaders and activists from across Asia to discuss self-determination and collective rights.
Tzudir works out of the Sociology Department at the Lumami campus. He joined delegates from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, and Nepal to debate the future of Indigenous movements. The session focused on the friction between ancient traditions and modern economic survival.
He took the stage as a panel speaker to address the state of Naga youth. He argued that unemployment and local socio-economic pressures often push long-term Indigenous aspirations to the background. Tzudir found common ground with his peers during the trip.
Tzudir said, "The most memorable part of the conference was realising how deeply connected our experiences are, despite coming from different countries and cultures."
The conference forced a hard look at identity. It highlighted how young people fight to protect their land and culture while seeking jobs. Tzudir noted that the shared struggles proved that borders do not stop the need for solidarity. He left the event with a plan to bridge these gaps at home.
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