Special Correspondent: The "3rd International Indigenous Language Journalism Conference 2026" is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, from August 9 to 12, 2026. Preparations for this grand international event are in full swing, organized by the Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Journalists (FoNIJ)  in coordination with the Newa National Forum of Journalists & SAARC Journalist Forum.

The preliminary plans and event schedules were announced during a recent preparatory meeting held in Nayabazar, Kathmandu. At the meeting, FoNIJ General Secretary Samir Balami presented a detailed action plan for the upcoming conference.

The organizing committee has announced that journalists practicing indigenous language journalism from approximately 40 countries across the globe will participate in this year’s conference. The event will feature in-depth discussions on the current status, challenges, and the future roadmap of indigenous language journalism on a global scale.

The itinerary of this four-day international conference includes:

Panel Discussions & Paper Presentations: Featuring insights and research papers presented by global experts.

Cultural Procession: A vibrant showcase blending the diverse local cultures of Nepal with those of the participating nations.

Tourism & Traditional Cuisine: Alongside visits to various historical and tourist landmarks of Nepal, delegates will be treated to traditional Nepalese cuisines to promote local culture and heritage globally.

According to the organizers, the primary objective of this conference is to develop and professionalize indigenous language journalism. It also aims to advocate for the recognition and integration of mother-tongue journalism into government policies, while showcasing Nepal`s achievements in this sector to the world. Furthermore, the conference is expected to significantly contribute to the preservation, study, and research of indigenous languages, scripts, cultures, traditions, and heritage.