Shipibo Ambassador invited to the Turkish Embassy in Lima

Strengthening cooperation with one of the world’s most generous nations for humanitarian causes

Shipibo Ambassador Roger Bardales visited the Turkish Embassy to meet with First Secretary Elvan Ünal Erdem and discuss potential avenues of cooperation aimed at supporting Indigenous communities in the Ucayali region.

During the meeting, the diplomats listened with great interest to the current situation and needs of the Indigenous peoples of Ucayali, as well as to the vision and initiatives being developed to promote a sustainable future while preserving their ancestral roots and cultural identity.

The Vision and Projects of the Indigenous Embassy

The Indigenous Embassy was founded by Roger Bardales, who has dedicated more than a decade to advocating for the rights and equality of Indigenous peoples. He was officially appointed Ambassador of the Shipibo-Konibo Indigenous Nation through Regional Executive Resolution No. 551-2023-GRU-GR issued by the Regional Government of Ucayali and formally recognized by the Peruvian State.

During the meeting, Ambassador Bardales presented the Embassy’s vision for an innovative and inclusive model of development for Indigenous peoples — not only for the Shipibo-Konibo Nation, but for all ethnic groups throughout the Ucayali region. This vision includes the protection of ancestral territories and forests as a contribution to environmental and climate preservation; the safeguarding and promotion of Indigenous culture through traditional crafts, music, and dance; the revitalization of ancestral medicinal knowledge; and the creation of modern educational opportunities rooted in Indigenous identity.

Among the projects currently being developed are reforestation initiatives based on agroforestry models, the establishment of an institute for Amazonian traditional medicine, the creation of an Indigenous cultural center with an artisanal marketplace, a secondary school, and a language institute designed to prepare students for international exchanges and academic opportunities abroad.

Support from One of the World’s Leading Humanitarian Nations

Representatives of the Turkish Embassy expressed empathy and openness toward supporting these initiatives. During the meeting, First Secretary Elvan Ünal Erdem highlighted Turkeys' strong international commitment to humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. She encouraged the Indigenous Embassy to submit its project proposals to the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), which is responsible for international development and humanitarian programs.

The Embassy of Turky also indicated that it would communicate the outcomes of the meeting to both TİKA and the Ministry, accompanied by a recommendation for further evaluation of potential cooperation opportunities.

The meeting took place in a warm and open atmosphere, during which both parties observed meaningful cultural similarities between Turkish and Shipibo traditions, particularly regarding hospitality, community values, friendliness, and the preservation of cultural identity.

The Indigenous Embassy looks forward to strengthening its relationship with Türkiye and hopes to welcome representatives to the Ucayali region in the future so they may experience Indigenous culture and communities firsthand.

A Historic Moment for Indigenous Representation

The meeting marked a historic milestone, as it represented one of the first occasions in which an Indigenous ambassador was formally received by the diplomatic representatives of another nation. It stands as an important sign of growing international recognition and dialogue regarding the voices, rights, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples.

The Third Secretary of Türkiye, Shipibo Ambassador Roger Bardales, First Secretary of Türkiye Elvan Ünal Erdem, and Shipibo First Secretary Simone Reshénoma.