Cotabato City, August 10, 2024 — The Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) organizations, under the NMIP Network, successfully launched the “First Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples Youth Summit 2024” at Em-Manor Hotel, Cotabato City. The summit, themed "NMIP Youth in Action: Strengthening Democracy and Partnership through a Rights-Based Approach for Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples," marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to amplify the voices and rights of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This pioneering event was made possible through a partnership with the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Office of Member of Parliament (MP) Froilyn T. Mendoza. It also received vital support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Philippines, International Organization for Migration (IOM) UN Migration, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) through the Peacebuilding Fund.
The summit brought together NMIP youth leaders, representatives from various indigenous communities, government officials, and development partners to discuss and present the NMIP Youth Agenda 2030. This agenda, comprising fifteen key points, addresses critical issues affecting NMIPs, including cultural preservation, education, political representation, and access to basic services.
During the summit, participants engaged in dialogues and panel discussions aimed at empowering NMIP youth to take active roles in democratic processes and to forge stronger partnerships with government agencies and development partners. The event also highlighted the importance of a rights-based approach in addressing the challenges faced by NMIPs, ensuring that their voices are heard in the ongoing development and peacebuilding efforts within the BARMM.
MP Froilyn T. Mendoza, in her keynote speech, emphasized the importance of NMIP youth in shaping the future of the region. "The NMIP youth are not just the future leaders of our communities; they are the present drivers of change. Their active participation in the democratic process and their advocacy for rights-based development are crucial in building a more inclusive and just society," she said.
The summit concluded with the presentation of the NMIP Youth Agenda 2030 and actionable NMIP resolution to assert a rightful representation in the Bangsamoro Youth Commission to government agencies and development partners, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to address the needs and aspirations of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the region. The event served as a platform for the NMIP youth to assert their rights, foster partnerships, and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities.
This groundbreaking initiative underscores the commitment of NMIP organizations and their partners to promote the rights and welfare of Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro region, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Photo: NMIPYN
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