The Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) held the opening ceremony of the 2025 Global Youth Forum at the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park in Pingtung on the morning of July 23. The event was hosted by Deputy Minister Adralriw Abaliusu, and attended by representatives of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and partner countries.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister Adralriw Abaliusu emphasized that this year’s forum is not only a gathering of young people but also an important mission of nurturing the next generation of indigenous leaders. The CIP believes that young people are a key driving force for the sustainable development of indigenous communities. Through this platform, the forum aims to enhance both Taiwanese and international youth understanding of Taiwan’s indigenous cultures, while also encouraging participants to explore career paths and unleash creative potential through cross-cultural exchange.

This year’s forum brought together youth from six Taiwanese indigenous groups, along with 44 participants from 12 countries, including Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, Belize, Palau, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the United States, Haiti, New Zealand, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Australia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The CIP stated that the forum seeks to create a lasting international exchange network, where seeds of friendship and collaboration can grow to generate innovative opportunities and develop global indigenous affairs.

The CIP further indicated that the forum featured four core themed workshops: Climate Action and Community Sustainability, Digital Innovation and Cultural Preservation, Tourism and Economic Development, and International Exchange and Cultural Arts. By connecting local perspectives with global outlooks, indigenous speakers shared their experiences and insights, guiding participants through cross-cultural dialogue and critical thinking, and fostering a diverse and in-depth exchange environment.