Nepal hosts 3rd int'l Indigenous Journalism conference

The event is focused on the theme “Indigenous Language Journalism for Cultural Diversity, Climate Justice, and Inclusive Democracy.”

Nepal’s Law and Justice Minister Sobita Gautam on Monday inaugurated the 3rd International Indigenous Language Journalism Conference 2026 in Kathmandu, bringing together journalists, academics and media professionals from across South Asia.

The four-day conference, being held at Rastriya Sabha Griha, is focused on the theme “Indigenous Language Journalism for Cultural Diversity, Climate Justice, and Inclusive Democracy.”

Education and Science Minister Dasmit Pokharel attended the inaugural programme as the special guest.

The opening session was presided over by Lucky Chaudhary, president of the Federation of Nepal Indigenous Journalists (FONIJ). Among others, Nripendra Lal Shrestha, president of the Newar Journalists Association, and Md. Abdur Rahman, secretary general of the SAARC Journalists Forum Central Committee, addressed the conference.

Delegates from 26 South Asian countries are participating in the international gathering, which seeks to promote indigenous-language journalism, cultural diversity and inclusive media practices.

Two technical sessions were held on the opening day. Discussions in the first session focused primarily on the rights of indigenous peoples and government policies concerning their social, cultural and linguistic rights.

The second technical session examined the status of indigenous-language journalism in Nepal. Speakers and delegates exchanged views on international experiences, the United Nations’ International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), global challenges and achievements in indigenous-language journalism, the role of Nepal’s Language Commission and legal frameworks governing news media.

Bangladesh delegation participates

A high-profile delegation from Bangladesh is participating in the conference. The delegation is led by Md. Ziaur Rahman, special correspondent of Dainik Aajkal.

Other members of the Bangladesh delegation includes Mushtaq Ahmed Mubarki; editor of Dainik Bongobani, Mohammad Moniruzzaman;; editor of Dainik Bank Bima Economy, Md. Abu Bakar Siddique; Senior Correspondent of Dainik Aajker Provat, Panna Zaman; Executive Editor of Dainik Amar Bangla, Shahnaz Begum; Representative of Channel-S Television Online and Irfan Uddin Iro; Asian TV reporter.

Three faculty members from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology (ADUST) are also attending the conference as members of the Bangladesh delegation. They are Zubair Ahmed, coordinator of the department; Keya Bose; and Farhad Alam.

Documentary draws appreciation

The opening day's programme concluded with the screening of a special documentary highlighting the plight of a journalist who faced difficulties for remaining honest and uncompromising in his professional work.

The documentary was produced by Farhad Alam, a lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology in Dhaka.

The documentary received considerable appreciation from the conference audience, with participants praising its portrayal of the challenges faced by journalists committed to professional integrity and ethical journalism.

The conference will continue for four days, with participants expected to discuss indigenous-language journalism, cultural preservation, climate justice, media rights and inclusive democracy from regional and international perspectives.