The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), based in The Hague, will mark its 35th anniversary on 27 August 2026 with the second edition of the Re-imagining Self-Determination Conference, held at The Hague Tech.
The two-day conference will be followed by the organisation’s General Assembly on 29 and 30 August. Bringing together representatives of unrepresented nations, like Tibet, Taiwan, West Papua, Western Togoland, Southern Mongolia, Ogaden, Oromo, East Turkestan, Barotseland, and many others. The programme focuses on how power operates through media, digital platforms and political discourse, and how unrepresented voices can assert agency over their own narratives to advancing self-determination.
Giving voice to underrepresented communities
The Re-imagining Self-Determination Conference let global participants explore how the right to self-determination can be better understood and applied in a changing geopolitical landscape. This year’s edition places particular emphasis on media as a driver of visibility and accountability, examining how journalism, digital platforms and storytelling can contribute to more inclusive governance and strengthen the position of communities that lack formal representation. Central to these discussions is the concept of self-determination itself: the right of peoples to decide their own political status and to shape their economic, social and cultural development. While firmly rooted in international law, the principle is interpreted in different ways, ranging from independence to greater autonomy or participation within existing states, making it both a legal framework and an ongoing process.
About the UNPO
Founded in 1991 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, UNPO is an international organisation that represents indigenous peoples, minorities and unrecognised or occupied territories worldwide. The UNPO has 40 members representing more than 300 million people globally, and acts as a solidarity platform for dialogue, training and international advocacy to ensure that excluded communities can participate in international decision-making processes. Over the years, UNPO has provided a platform for a wide range of communities, including the Maasai, who used their membership to highlight issues around land rights and inclusion, and Zanzibar, where questions of political representation and autonomy were brought to the fore. Together, these examples reflect the breadth of UNPO’s work, connecting local challenges to international norms and dialogue. Today, UNPO brings together dozens of member groups, representing more than 300 million people globally.
About the International City of Peace and Justice
The organisation’s longstanding presence in The Hague reflects the city’s role as the international hub for peace and justice. As home to global courts and more than 200 international organisations, The Hague offers a unique environment for dialogue, diplomacy and legal development. UNPO’s decision to establish its headquarters here aligns closely with this international ecosystem, reinforcing its mission within a city dedicated to the rule of law and peaceful conflict resolution.
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The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is a global platform committed to amplifying the voices of unrepresented Peoples and Nations, securing their equal participation on the world stage and safeguarding their fundamental rights.
We invite you to attend the webinar “Self-Determination and the Recognition of Non-Sovereign Peoples’ Archives”, taking place on Thursday, 11 June 2026 at ...
Re-Imagining Self-Determination
At the heart of the UNPO's mission lies a profound belief in the transformative power of self-determination to foster peace and prosperity. Aware of the complexity of the contemporary geopolitical landscape, we believe in a creative re-thinking of this principle to address new challenges and opportunities emphasizing its role as a catalyst for peace and resilience in the face of global challenges.
Apply for membership
Explore the Members Page of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), featuring current members, along with information on how to become a member or a People’s Friend supporter. Learn about former members and their ongoing journeys.