https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/calling-bold-choices-fight-against-ra....
The UNESCO’s 4th Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination, held on 10-11 December 2024 in Barcelona, Spain became a vibrant space of dialogue and action. It brought together participants from around 90 countries and engaged an online audience of more than 50,000 participants. With six plenary sessions, 12 parallel sessions, and contributions from over 150 speakers, the event set a powerful stage for innovative solutions in the fight against racism and discrimination.
In her keynote remarks, H.E. Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, highlighted three central insights from the Forum:
First, racism and discrimination remain deeply entrenched global issues. Despite the progress made since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted 75 years ago, these scourges continue to fracture communities and undermine the principles of equality, dignity, and justice.
Second, solutions to discrimination must address its multifaceted nature. Tackling these challenges requires efforts that extend beyond policy implementation to reshape societal mindsets and cultures. Empathy, respect, and inclusion must become foundational elements of communities worldwide. The Forum’s discussions showcased innovative strategies and shared experiences, offering a roadmap for dismantling systemic racism.
Third, the Forum underscored the need for bold choices in a world facing interconnected crises. UNESCO’s resources, including the Anti-Racism Toolkit and Master Classes, provide valuable tools for fostering change. The launch of the Global Coalition Against Racism and Discrimination marked a turning point, equipping stakeholders with a platform for collective action and innovation.
Her address also emphasized the transformative power of education, as outlined in UNESCO’s Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development. From early childhood to lifelong learning, education shapes societies by embedding values of diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. By reimagining curricula, promoting arts as a bridge for understanding, and empowering teachers as change agents, education becomes a cornerstone for building empathy and compassion.
One of the Forum’s most significant outcomes was the launch of the Global Coalition Against Racism and Discrimination, an initiative aimed at fostering international collaboration to dismantle systemic inequities and promote inclusive societies. The Coalition promises to unite a wide spectrum of society representatives, including governments, cities, civil society organizations, artists, athletes and academic institutions in collective action for racial equity and justice.
