The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent will hold its annual session from 16 to 19 April 2024 in room XX (room 20) at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. Almost 700 participants are expected at this third session, which is organized under the theme: “The Second International Decade for People of African Descent: Addressing Systemic Racism, Reparatory Justice and Sustainable Development”.
With the first International Decade ending in 2024, the Permanent Forum, as a monitoring and reviewing body for the effective implementation of the programme of activities for the International Decade, is calling this initiative to be renewed for a second ten-year period.
The session opens on Tuesday 16 April (10:00) with a cultural performance, followed by the delivery of statements by high-level dignitaries. A general debate by States, civil society, and others will take place during the rest of the day.
Thematic discussions start on Wednesday 17 April, with the following topics to be explored:
- Reparations, Sustainable Development & Economic Justice This panel addresses the link between the legacies of colonialism and the cycle of poverty of people of African descent. In that context, reparations and community-based initiatives for sustainable economic inclusion will be discussed. Moderated by Justin Hansford, Member of the Permanent Forum
- Education: Overcoming Systemic Racism and Historic Harm This panel delves into about the barriers encountered by people of African descent in education and propose measures to promoting respect, inclusion and thriving for people of African descent in education. Moderated by Hongjiang Huang, Member of the Permanent Forum
- Culture & Recognition This panel highlights the rich and vibrant cultures of Africans and people of African descent, and the invaluable contributions of Africans and people of African descent to societies, communities, and movements around the world. Moderated by Martin Kimani, Member of the Permanent Forum
- The Second International Decade for People of African Descent: Expectations and Challenges This panel explores the barriers to the achievements of the programme of activities of the first International Decade and discusses the focus of the requested second International Decade. Moderated by Gaynel Curry, Member of the Permanent Forum
In addition to the plenary, two special events will take place in the first and second day of the session.
- “Decoding AI Bias: Addressing algorithmic racial discrimination faced by people of African descent” This AI for Good Webinar on Tuesday 16 April (13:15), focuses on algorithmic racial discrimination faced by people of African descent. Organized by the International Telecommunications Union and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
- “The Woman King” (2022) Screening and Discussion This screening at Cinerama Empire on Wednesday 17 April (20:30) is followed by an informal discussion on the positive contributions to society of women of African descent. Organized by Ciné ONU and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Several UN agencies, States and many civil society organizations are also organizing side events to the plenary.
The full list of all official meetings, special events, and side events of this third session is available at https://thirdsessionpfpad2024.sched.com/
On the last day of the session (19 April), the members of the Permanent Forum will present their preliminary conclusions and recommendations, based on the discussions held.
The report of the third session of the Permanent Forum will be presented to the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council (9 September-9 October 2024) and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (2024-2025) at the end of this year.
In August 2021, the General Assembly adopted resolution 75/314 establishing the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent as “a consultative mechanism for people of African descent and other relevant stakeholders” and “as a platform for improving the safety and quality of life and livelihoods of people of African descent.” The Permanent Forum also operates as an advisory body to the UN Human Rights Council, in line with the programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent and in coordination with existing UN mechanisms promoting action to combat racism against people of African descent.
