India, April 16 -- The largest global annual gathering of Indigenous Peoples, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), commenced its 23rd session today at UN Headquarters in New York and will run until 26 April 2024.

The proceedings began with a ceremonial welcome by Chief Tadodaho Sid Hill of the Onondaga Nation. Over 2,000 participants convened at the Forum joined by representatives from the United Nations, including H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly; H. E. Paula Narvaez, President of ECOSOC; and Mr. Li Junhua, Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

Opening the Forum, H. E. Mr. David Choquehuanca, Vice President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, h...