NEW YORK, April 23, 2026 — At a time of escalating global conflicts, more than 150 Indigenous peacebuilders, elders, spiritual leaders, mediators, women leaders and youth from 80 countries will gather in New York City for the Second Global Summit on Indigenous Peacebuilding, to be held April 25–26, 2026.
The summit marks a landmark international effort to elevate Indigenous-led approaches to peacebuilding, conflict resolution and environmental stewardship at a critical moment for global stability.
Nearly 80 percent of the world’s conflicts today take place in biodiversity-rich regions where Indigenous Peoples live. As global demand intensifies for land, energy and natural resources, Indigenous territories are increasingly becoming frontlines of conflict, resulting in displacement, loss of life and environmental degradation.
“This Summit is a turning point—a moment to bring Indigenous voices from the margins to the center of global peace efforts,” said 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. “At a time when the world is facing deepening conflicts and divisions, Indigenous Peoples are offering pathways to peace rooted in centuries of wisdom, dialogue and coexistence with nature. We invite the world to listen, to learn, and to walk with us toward a future grounded in justice, dignity and peace for the next seven generations.”
The two-day gathering will feature major global announcements, including the launch of a Global Network of Indigenous Peacebuilders, Mediators and Negotiators, aimed at engaging governments, corporations and conflict actors in dialogue and mediation processes.
Organizers will also call on the United Nations and governments worldwide to declare 2027–2037 as the International Decade on Indigenous Peacebuilding, alongside the creation of 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, and a collective call to reduce armed conflicts by 50 percent through prevention, dialogue and Indigenous-led peace processes.
“For generations, Indigenous Peoples have upheld systems of peace rooted in respect, responsibility and balance with the natural world,” said Manal Taha, Woman Peace Mediator from Sudan. “At a time when conflicts are intensifying globally, it is essential that these approaches are recognized and embraced. This Summit represents an important step toward bringing Indigenous diplomacy and leadership into global peace processes.”
“True peace cannot exist without justice, without recognition of our rights, and without respect for our cultures and lands,” said Adam Kuleit Ole M Lemareka, Maasai Elder from Tanzania. “This Summit is a powerful step toward ensuring that Indigenous voices are shaping the global agenda for peace and reconciliation.”
“Protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples is inseparable from global peacebuilding. As Arctic Peoples, we have protected our region for time immemorial, and we insist on our homeland to be a region of peace and cooperation,” says Sara Olsvig, Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council. “I look forward to attending this important global summit on Indigenous Peoples and peacebuilding—to learn and listen, and to share knowledge in the efforts to ensure peace and cooperation wherever we live”.
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 also be held alongside the two day Summit.
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.
EVENT DETAILS
Second Global Summit on Indigenous Peacebuilding
Dates: April 25–26, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (ET)
Venue: New York City
More information: https://www.indigenouspeacebuildersnetwork.org