As part of the August Spotlight series dedicated to indigenous rights, Global Voices authors have raised the question of who exactly makes key decisions regarding the protection and preservation of indigenous cultures worldwide. Analyzing the prepared materials, the author of the publication notes that this question remains central to discussions about the rights and interests of indigenous communities. The issue concerns how much indigenous peoples themselves are involved in processes that determine the fate of their languages, traditions, and territories, and to what extent external institutions — state bodies, international organizations, researchers — influence these decisions without direct participation from the communities themselves. This framing reflects a broader debate about indigenous peoples' right to self-determination and control over their own cultural heritage. The Global Voices series of materials aims to illuminate diverse aspects of the situation of indigenous peoples in different countries, including issues of language preservation, traditional knowledge, and ways of life in the face of globalization, economic pressure, and state policy. The authors emphasize the importance of indigenous peoples' voices being heard in the public sphere directly, rather than through intermediaries. The question of responsibility for preserving cultural diversity remains relevant for the international community, as it concerns the balance between state sovereignty, minority rights, and the need to protect humanity's unique cultural heritage.