Honorable Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark together with Greenland, and Norway.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important topic. In a time when democracy and freedom of expression are being challenged, we know that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are under pressure in many places.
The importance of international cooperation must be emphasized, especially in a time of global uncertainty.
The Nordic countries recognize the critical role of the Permanent Forum in advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Platforms like the Permanent Forum and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples have proven essential for sharing knowledge and experiences and finding effective solutions to preserve and promote Indigenous cultures and languages. By working together, we can more effectively ensure that Indigenous Peoples’ rights are respected and strengthened.
The International Decade of Indigenous Languages is a significant initiative fostering cooperation among member states and Indigenous Peoples. Nordic countries have been active contributors to these efforts. The work being done for Indigenous Peoples’ languages is crucial for their preservation and revitalization.
The preservation of Indigenous Peoples’ languages is an issue that requires urgent global attention and collaborative action to safeguard cultural heritage and promote linguistic diversity.
For a language to survive, it must be usable in daily life, seamlessly integrated into screens, keyboards, video platforms, and speech-based systems. Younger generations, in particular, rely on digital platforms for communication. To revitalize, preserve, and strengthen Indigenous Peoples’ Languages, they must be fully usable in these, digital spaces.
Despite over 40 years of multilingual data systems, Indigenous Peoples’ languages remain excluded from many digital platforms. If these languages are not included in technological advancements, we risk accelerating cultural assimilation. Digital inclusion is crucial, as it allows Indigenous Peoples to share their knowledge, culture, and languages globally, enriching the digital landscape and promoting intercultural dialogue.
In conclusion, the Nordic countries are committed to supporting the future work of the Permanent Forum and ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and respected in all relevant UN bodies. Global collaboration is essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.
Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable world for Indigenous Peoples.
Thank you.