New york: At a time of escalating global conflicts, more than 150 Indigenous peacebuilders, elders, spiritual leaders, mediators, women leaders, and youth from 80 countries have gathered in New York for the Second Global Summit on Indigenous Peacebuilding. The two-day summit, being held from April 25 - 26, 2026, marked a landmark international effort to elevate Indigenous-led approaches to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and environmental stewardship at a critical moment for global stability.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued in New York, and copied to their office in Tamale, highlighted that nearly 80 percent of the world's conflicts today take place in biodiversity-rich regions where Indigenous Peoples live. With the growing global demand for land, energy, and natural resources, Indigenous territories are increasingly becoming frontlines of conflict, leading to displacement, loss of life, and environmental degradation.
The statement quoted Binalakshmi Nepram, Convener of the summit and Founder-President of the Global Alliance of Indigenous Peoples, Gender Justice and Peace and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, as stating, "This Summit is a turning point-a moment to bring Indigenous voices from the margins to the center of global peace efforts." Nepram emphasized that Indigenous Peoples offer pathways to peace rooted in centuries of wisdom, dialogue, and coexistence with nature. She invited the world to listen, learn, and work towards a future grounded in justice, dignity, and peace for the next seven generations.
The gathering aims to feature major global announcements, including the launch of a Global Network of Indigenous Peacebuilders, Mediators, and Negotiators, to engage governments, corporations, and conflict actors in dialogue and mediation processes. The organizers also intend to call on the United Nations and governments worldwide to declare 2027-2037 as the International Decade on Indigenous Peacebuilding and to create a Peace Caucus at the United Nations.
Additional initiatives include the launch of the Indigenous Mothers' March for Peace, Healing, and Global Unity, a global movement led by Indigenous women that will travel worldwide over the next two years. There is also a collective call to reduce armed conflicts by 50% through prevention, dialogue, and Indigenous-led peace processes.
Manal Taha, Woman Peace Mediator from Sudan, remarked that Indigenous Peoples have upheld systems of peace rooted in respect, responsibility, and balance with the natural world for generations. She emphasized the necessity of recognizing and embracing these approaches as conflicts intensify globally. The summit represents an important step toward integrating Indigenous diplomacy and leadership into global peace processes.
Adam Kuleit Ole M Lemareka, a Maasai Elder from Tanzania, stated that true peace cannot exist without justice, recognition of rights, and respect for cultures and lands. He emphasized that the summit is a powerful step toward ensuring that Indigenous voices shape the global agenda for peace and reconciliation.
Sara Olsvig, Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, underscored that protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples is inseparable from global peacebuilding. As Arctic Peoples, they have long protected their region and insist on it being a region of peace and cooperation. She expressed her eagerness to attend the summit to learn, listen, and share knowledge in efforts to ensure peace and cooperation globally.
The summit will include dialogues, ceremonies, cultural expressions, and discussions led by Indigenous leaders from around the world. It will also recognize 100 Indigenous peacebuilders for their contributions to peace and humanity. An exhibition called 'Weaving Peace: Healing Lives' will be held alongside the two-day Summit.
The statement concluded that as the international community searches for pathways beyond war and division, the summit seeks to highlight Indigenous knowledge systems as vital to building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future.