About GIYC

We Build The Future

The Global Indigenous Youth Caucus is comprised of numerous Indigenous youth from various States, organizations, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds from each of the 7 UN Regions. The Forum was established in 2000 and the first forum took place in May 2002. Ever since the first session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), young indigenous participants have gathered together and developed statements voicing concerns of the youth.

The Global Indigenous Youth Caucus was formally inaugurated in 2006 and has ever since convened during the annual session of the Permanent Forum to discuss the various issues and concerns of indigenous youth worldwide. These discussions led to the collective development and presentation of several statements at the Forum. In 2008, the Permanent Forum and its Secretariat recognized the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus as a working caucus.

However, much more remains to be done. The continued recruitment, involvement and training of youth from various indigenous people’s communities worldwide are critical, along with various indigenous rights mechanisms and organizations, to function in a proper and sustainable manner as generations continue. The full and effective participation of indigenous youth can provide proper representation of the different stakeholders and strengthen Indigenous youth in the world.