The discussion took place during Item 7 of the session, dedicated to reviewing progress under the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. EMRIP Member Gam Awungshi Shimray opened the discussion, followed by a progress report presented by Anabel Benjamin Bara of the Indigenous Global Confederation on behalf of the Global Task Force of the Decade. The report highlighted new Action Plans launched in Honduras, Papua New Guinea and the Central American region, alongside ongoing work across Africa and the Pacific, while calling for stronger government support for Indigenous languages.

Beyond reviewing achievements, the session underscored the role of international cooperation in protecting linguistic diversity. Participants examined both the opportunities and challenges presented by digital technologies and artificial intelligence for Indigenous languages and cultural knowledge. UNESCO's Global Roadmap for Multilingualism in the Digital Era, partnerships with Unicode and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, and the New Commons Incubator for Indigenous Languages and Cultures were highlighted as initiatives promoting inclusive digital participation and Indigenous-led data governance.

Representatives from Indigenous communities, governments and civil society also shared experiences of local language revitalisation efforts and discussed the challenges of sustaining language transmission across generations. Participants emphasised the need for long-term funding, stronger partnerships between States, Indigenous Peoples and United Nations agencies, and continued international cooperation to sustain progress made under the Decade. The recommendations will contribute to the future work of the Global Task Force.

The session carried particular significance as the international community approaches the midpoint of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages and the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. UNESCO, which leads the implementation of the Decade in cooperation with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and other UN agencies, continues to promote multilingualism as a foundation for cultural diversity, Indigenous language rights and intercultural dialogue. By bringing together governments, Indigenous representatives and international organisations, the Geneva session reinforced the role of cultural diplomacy in protecting linguistic heritage through international cooperation.

• https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/un-expert-mechanism-advances-dialogue-indigenous-languages