MESSAGE FROM MS IRINA BOKOVA, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF UNESCO, ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Irina Bokova. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is the perfect opportunity to emphasize indigenous peoples’ vital contribution to the implementation of sustainable solutions for tackling development challenges, from the management of natural resources to the fight against climate change. Promoting the cultures, the languages and the knowledge of indigenous peoples is an essential part of UNESCO’s action. We know that respecting knowledge systems and local languages – including those of indigenous peoples – is one of the conditions for successful inclusive, equitable school systems, in which everyone can learn and show their potential. It is central to achieving the implementation of the quality education for all (EFA) goals and is fully integrated into the declaration adopted at the World Education Forum held in May 2015, in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The declaration advocates inclusive and equitable, quality education a...