"On this International Day, I pledge the full support of the UN system to cooperate with indigenous peoples, including their media, to promote the full implementation of the Declaration."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
A participant during the opening of the eleventh session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in May 2012. (UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz)
2012 Theme: "Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices"
The International Day of the World's Indigenous People (9 August) was first proclaimed by the General Assembly in December 1994, to be celebrated every year during the first International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (1995 – 2004).
In 2004, the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade, from 2005 – 2015, with the theme of "A Decade for Action and Dignity."
The focus of this year's International Day was "Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices".
The theme aimed to highlight the importance of indigenous media in challenging stereotypes, forging indigenous peoples' identities, communicating with the outside world, and influencing the social and political agenda.
A special event at UN Headquarters in New York was held on the 9 of August and featured speakers and videos of indigenous media organizations. Watch the webcast of the meeting.
Download the press release and programme