By resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples shall be observed on 9 August every year. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. Indigenous communities There are an estimated 476 million indigenous peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world's population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures. Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural differences, indigenous peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples. Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life. Theme for 2025 The theme for 2025 is Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures While AI can support cultural revitalization, youth empowerment, and even adaptation to climate chance, it often reinforces bias, exclusion, and misrepresentation towards Indigenous Peoples. Most AI systems are built without Indigenous input, risking the misuse of their data, knowledge, and identities. Besides, massive data centers can also impact Indigenous lands, resources, and ecosystems. This is a new issue added to the barriers to accessing new technologies, especially in rural areas, excluding Indigenous from full participation in AI-related processes. To unlock AI’s full potential, Indigenous Peoples must be respected as rights-holders, co-creators, and decision-makers. Meaningful inclusion, data sovereignty, and culturally grounded innovation are key to ensuring AI empowers their communities. Indigenous Peoples in India Indigenous Peoples in India are constitutionally notified and administratively categorized as Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Article 366(25) of the Constitution of India. There are 730 ethnic groups officially notified as Scheduled Tribes (STs) who live in 27 states and 4 union territories (UTs) of India (as of 2011). In central India, the Scheduled Tribes are usually referred to as Adivasis, which literally means original inhabitants, Indigenous Peoples. With an estimated population of 104 million, they comprise 8.6% of the total population. It is the second largest Indigenous Peoples population in the world. 75 ST groups are classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), a special category of tribal communities. As of 2022, they were spread across 18 states and 1 Union Territory in India. PVTGs are recognized as being even more susceptible to vulnerability compared to other ST groups. India’s ST population lives largely in the Central (31 percent), Eastern (23 percent) and the Northeastern (NE) (12 percent) regions. The largest concentrations of Indigenous Peoples are found in the seven states of north-east India, and the so-called “central tribal belt” stretching from Rajasthan to West Bengal. Article 244 of the Constitution of India provides for special administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas in accordance with customary tribal institutions, customs, and practices. India has several laws and constitutional provisions, such as the Fifth Schedule for central India and the Sixth Schedule for certain areas of north-east India, which recognize Indigenous Peoples’ rights to land and self-governance. In 1996, India enacted the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) to ensure effective participation of tribal communities in the process of local development planning and decision-making. Sources United Nations World Bank - Indigenous Peoples Country Profile - India Indigenous Peoples of India