KATHMANDU, AUGUST 9 President Ramchandra Paudel has called for indigenous culture, knowledge and traditional skills to be linked with tourism to create economic opportunities for indigenous communities, suggesting innovative approaches such as 'open-air living museums'. Addressing a programme organised by the Indigenous Nationalities Commission on Sunday to mark the 32nd International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Paudel said Nepal's cultural diversity was a source of national strength and that the rights and participation of indigenous communities must be ensured. He said indigenous communities have a deep and longstanding relationship with the country's land, water and natural resources, and stressed the need for their meaningful participation in policy and decision-making. According to Paudel, 36.8 percent of local-level representatives are from indigenous communities, a development he described as encouraging. He also called for greater access to education to support their social and economic advancement. He said Nepal's journey towards prosperity would remain incomplete without ensuring justice and rights for indigenous nationalities. 'Unity in diversity strengthens national integrity,' Paudel said, stressing that outstanding grievances and the remnants of past conflicts should be addressed through democratic dialogue and constitutional processes. He also highlighted Nepal's international commitments to indigenous rights, noting that Nepal was the first country in South Asia to endorse ILO Convention No. 169, which protects the rights, cultures, lands and ways of life of indigenous and tribal peoples. Meanwhile, the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) marked the day in Kathmandu under the theme 'Protecting acquired rights is today's need; our shared commitment to building an inclusive and just Nepal with identity.' A colourful rally featuring traditional dress, musical instruments, songs, dances and cultural displays was taken from Bhrikutimandap through Bhadrakali, Shahid Gate, Sundhara and Bir Hospital to Khulamanch. Representatives of communities including Newar, Magar, Tamang, Sherpa, Gurung, Thakali, Dura, Majhi, Yakkha, Rajbanshi, Sunuwar and Hyolmo took part in the rally. Thousands of indigenous representatives, youths, women, students, artists and cultural groups from Kathmandu Valley and other districts participated in the celebrations, according to NEFIN. Cultural performances showcasing traditional art, languages, customs and lifestyles were also held at Tundikhel. Khulamanch hosted displays of indigenous food, handicrafts, local products, traditional attire and cultural items, along with a food festival. The United Nations has observed August 9 as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples since 1994. The day commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, held in Geneva in 1982. The UN estimates that around 476 million indigenous people live in 90 countries. Although they account for less than 6 percent of the world's population, they represent at least 15 percent of the world's poorest people and are associated with around 5,000 distinct cultures and the majority of the world's estimated 7,000 languages.