My mission is to inspire and empower 476 million Indigenous Peoples so that they can do what inspires them.

Ghazali Ohorella is an Indigenous diplomat, strategist, and visionary leader committed to transforming the global landscape for Indigenous Peoples. A proud descendant of the Alifuru people of the Maluku Islands, an archipelago of 999 islands whose spices once shaped world history, his work is deeply rooted in the resilience, culture, and sovereignty of his ancestors. With a mission to empower Indigenous Peoples to lead on their own terms, he combines modern diplomacy with Indigenous identity to challenge the status quo and pave the way for self-determination.

Born into the diaspora of the Maluku Islands, Ghazali grew up carrying not just the weight of displacement but also the legacy of resilience passed down from his mother, Pelpina Sahureka, a leader within Front Siwa-Lima. Her unwavering activism showed him how to turn pain into purpose and advocacy into impact. At 14, Ghazali became fascinated by the power of systems—how they could oppress yet also hold the potential to liberate. This curiosity eventually led him to diplomacy, where he discovered the opportunity to reshape global frameworks for Indigenous Peoples.

A Leader in Global Advocacy

Over the past two decades, Ghazali has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives to secure Indigenous rights in global governance. His notable achievements include:

  • Shaping the 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (2012-2014): Representing the Pacific, he united diverse Indigenous voices to influence the outcome document, a landmark for Indigenous rights worldwide.

  • Advancing Indigenous Rights in Carbon Markets (2018-Present): As coordinator of the Indigenous caucus in Article 6 negotiations on carbon markets, he advocates for the inclusion of Indigenous rights in global climate policies, ensuring that Indigenous rights and practices guide sustainable solutions.

  • Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty (2018-Present): He successfully negotiated explicit recognition of Indigenous Peoples' rights in the treaty, protecting their marine connections on the high seas.

  • Creating Pathways for Indigenous Sovereignty (2017-2019): Ghazali was instrumental in establishing the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform’s Facilitative Working Group, embedding Indigenous knowledge systems within climate decision-making.

  • Observer Status for Indigenous Governments (2022-Present): Driving efforts to secure a new UN status for Indigenous governments, amplifying their voice and authority in global decision-making.

A Visionary for Indigenous Sovereignty

Ghazali envisions a future where Indigenous Peoples have the tools, resources, and recognition to build their own "Wakandas"—thriving, self-sufficient, and sovereign communities that embody cultural pride, innovation, and leadership. He refers to this effort as constructing a "self-determination reverse Death Star," an ecosystem designed to dismantle colonial structures while creating pathways for Indigenous nations to thrive autonomously.

Through initiatives like The Indigenous Diplomat, Gomaluku Podcast, Ghazali equips Indigenous leaders with the practical knowledge and strategies needed to navigate international systems, ensuring their voices are not only heard but influential.

A Modern Approach to Advocacy

Ghazali combines vanilla tactics with guerrilla tactics, drawing on the principles of perception, influence, and strategy to amplify Indigenous voices on the global stage. By leveraging social media, podcasts, and innovative content like #HowToIndigenousNow, he merges traditional advocacy with creative, unconventional strategies. His approach balances the structured, tried-and-tested methods of diplomacy with modern tools to disrupt narratives and spark meaningful conversations.

He prioritizes providing value upfront, crafting tools and insights that empower Indigenous leaders while ensuring their stories resonate globally. Whether through webinars, bite-sized social content, or in-depth discussions, his tactics challenge perceptions, build influence, and drive change—one post, one strategy, and one impactful connection at a time.

Philosophical Foundations

Guided by the belief to “learn the rules to change the game,” Ghazali focuses on creating seats and spaces by reshaping systems that were not designed for Indigenous Peoples. By combining his deep understanding of geopolitical attention with insights from reading 30–35 books annually on topics like game theory and whatever Brene Brown writes about, he continuously innovates ways to bring Indigenous strategies to the forefront of global governance. His work is grounded in creating long-term impact, ensuring future generations inherit systems that respect their autonomy, dignity, and cultural heritage.

Building the Future

Today, Ghazali’s mission is clear: to empower Indigenous Peoples to lead on their own terms. He strives to create systems that do more than offer a seat at the table; they redesign the entire room to reflect Indigenous values and leadership. Drawing inspiration from revolutionary thinkers and innovators, he ensures his work embodies both resilience and creativity, bridging traditional wisdom with modern solutions.

Currently, Ghazali supports Saniri Alifuru (Alifuru Council) as their advisor on Indigenous rights and international relations. Saniri Alifuru is the traditional government of the Indigenous Alifuru people of Maluku.