2024 UNESCO Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination
  • 09:00 - 18:00   Preparatory meetings

    By invitation only

  • 09:00 - 09:45   Welcome and Setting the Scene: Champions against Racism

    Moderator: Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO

    • Omara Durand, Paralympic Champion (Cuba)
    • Ibram X. Kendi, Author and Professor (USA)
    • Maria de los Angeles Cruz Murillo, Actress and film director (Mexico)
    • Wole Soyinka, Nobel Prize in Literature Laureate (Nigeria)
  • 10:00 - 11:15   Bridging Collaborations: The Role of UNESCO’s Network of Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Officials

    This panel will feature the UNESCO Network of Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Officials, which serves as a pioneering platform for global collaboration and knowledge exchange. Panelists will discuss the Network's role in sharing best practices, developing innovative strategies, and supporting countries in crafting and implementing effective anti-racism policies. The session will highlight how the Network, acting as "bridges" among the government and non-government interfaces, fosters cooperation among officials, strengthens institutional frameworks, and advances the UNESCO Anti-Racism Toolkit to combat discrimination and promote equity worldwide.


    Anna Maria Majlöf, Chief of Section of Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue, UNESCO

    Moderator: Mattia Peradotto, Director of UNAR (Italy)

    • Fabio Moassab Bruni, Ombudsman, Ministry of Racial Equality (Brazil)
    • César Marcel Córdova Valverde, Ombudsman (Ecuador)
    • Michaela Moua, European Commission Anti-Racism Coordinator (Finland)
    • Claudia Olivia Morales Reza, President of the National Council for the Prevention of Discrimination (Mexico)
    • Josué Manuel Gutiérrez Condor, Ombudsman (Peru)
    • Lars Arrhenius, Equality Ombudsman (Sweden)
    • Brankica Janković, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality (Serbia)
    • Desirée Cormier Smith, Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice, Department of State (USA)

  • 11:30 - 12:45   Cities as Catalysts: Mayoral Strategies for Inclusive Urban Policies

    In this Mayoral Panel, city leaders from around the world will come together to discuss their unique and innovative approaches to addressing racism and discrimination within urban environments. As the frontlines of social change, cities play a critical role in shaping inclusive policies, fostering community engagement, and implementing grassroots initiatives that drive tangible progress. Mayors will highlight successful strategies and programs that have been deployed in various municipalities, emphasizing the importance of local governance in creating equitable and just societies, and will share their experiences in navigating challenges, building coalitions, and leveraging their cities' diversity as a strength.

    Moderator: Fabiana Goyeneche, President, ICCAR (Uruguay)

    • Maria Eugènia Gay, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona (Spain)
    • Nabil Kofahi, Mayor of Irbid (Jordan)
    • Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London (UK)
    • Emily Marion Clancy, Deputy Mayor of Bologna (Italy)
    • Marïelle Vavier, Deputy Mayor of The Hague (The Netherlands)
    • Ary Vanazzi, Mayor of São Leopoldo (Brazil)
    • Gilles Poux, Mayor of La Courneuve (France)
    • Emilia Saiz, Secretary-General of UCLG

  • 12:45 - 13:00   Networking coffee break

  • 13:00 - 13:45   Opening Ceremony

    Moderator: Beatriz Carrillo de los Reyes, Director-General for Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination and Against Racism, of the Ministry of Equality (Spain)

    • Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO
    • Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona (Spain)
    • Ana Redondo García, Minister of Equality (Spain)
    • Salvador Illa, President of Catalonia (Spain)
    • Wole Soyinka, Nobel Prize in Literature (Nigeria)
    • Francia Marquez, Vice-President (Colombia)
  • 13:45 - 14:00   Official photo

  • 14:00 - 14:15   Musical interlude

    • Brenda Navarrete, Cuban artist
  • 14:15 - 15:30   Lunch break

  • 15:30 - 15:50   Fireside chat

    • Gabriela Ramos: Assistant Director-General of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO
    • Nile Rodgers: Founder, We Are Family Foundation (USA)
  • 16:00 - 17:15   1st Ministerial Panel: Intersectionality in Action: Governmental Strategies for Inclusion

    In the ongoing global fight against racism and discrimination, governmental leadership plays a pivotal role in driving change. Ministers will share how they are integrating intersectionality—addressing the overlapping impacts of race, gender, class, and other identities—into national strategies and policies. The panel will explore challenges in achieving social inclusion and the role of governmental leadership in driving systemic change. Insights from this discussion will directly inform the development of the Global Alliance against Racism and Discrimination.

    Moderator: Anna Maria Majlöf, Chief of Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue Section, UNESCO.

    • Bora Muzhaqi, Minister of State for Youth and Children (Albania)
    • Carlos Do Canto Monteiro, Minister of Youth and Sports (Cabo Verde)
    • Andrew Brown, Associate Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage (Canada)
    • Fatmir Gjeka, Minister of Human and Minority Rights (Montenegro)
    • Ricardo Landero, Deputy Minister of Social Development (Panama)
    • Aina Calvo Sastre, Secretary of State for Equality and for the Eradication of Violence against Women (Spain)
    • Verónica das Dores, Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (Timor Leste)
  • 17:15 - 17:45   Networking coffee break

  • 17:45 - 19:00   2nd Ministerial Panel: Cross-Sector Collaboration: Strategies for Systemic Change

    This Ministerial Panel will bring together high-level officials to address the structural and sectoral issues -such as housing, education, and employment- that sustain systemic racism and discrimination. Ministers will explore the need for a comprehensive, cross-sectoral government response and discuss how various tools, including the UNESCO Anti-Racism Toolkit, can support the development of effective strategies and policies. By sharing successful examples, this session aims to inspire actionable approaches that engage civil society, researchers, and other social actors, ensuring that equality is achieved in practice and reinforcing global commitments to social justice and the eradication of racism and discrimination.

    Moderator: Elisabeth Moreno, Founder of La Puissance du Lien (France)

    • Hadje Fatime Hamid Moussaye, Counselor on Gender and Solidarity on Early Childhood to the Prime Minister (Chad)
    • Léonnie Kandolo Omoyi, Minister of Gender, Family and Children (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
    • Mayra Jiménez, Minister of Women (Dominican Republic)
    • Paul Marie Gondjout, Minister of Justice and Keeper of Seals (Gabon)
    • Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (Jamaica)
    • Boubacar Coulibaly, Magistrate and Chief of Cabinet of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights (Mali)
    • Stana Bozovic, State Secretary, Ministry for Human Rights and Social Dialogue (Serbia)

  • 09:00 - 10:15   Plenary Panel 1 – What works and what doesn’t: Measuring and benchmarking effective anti-racism policies and programmes

    This panel will critically assess the effectiveness of existing frameworks and policies aimed at combating racism and discrimination, focusing on their successes, limitations, and the gaps that still need to be addressed. While acknowledging the role of legislation and institutional support, the discussion will delve into the essential contributions of civil society, NGOs, media and academia in ensuring these measures are not only implemented but are also effective on the ground.

    The panel will explore the importance of data-driven strategies, needs assessments, and community consultation, emphasizing the need for inclusive ownership of anti-racism efforts. By drawing on diverse perspectives outside of the policymaking sphere, this session will offer a comprehensive view of what truly works in the fight against systemic discrimination, and where the roadblocks remain.

    This panel will also introduce the UNESCO Global Outlook on Racism and Discrimination, a new resource developed in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, designed to provide decision-makers with comparative research and data to inform anti-racism and anti-discrimination efforts.


    Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO.

    Moderator: Mariagrazia Squicciarini, Chief of Executive Office of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO

    • Michał Balcerzak, Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Poland)
    • Rossalina Latcheva, Head of Anti-Racism and Non-Discrimination Sector, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (Bulgaria)
    • Ashwini K.P., UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (India)
    • Marcos Sánchez Santiago, OBERAXE (Spain)
    • Jose Aguilar, Chairperson, Group of Independent Eminent Experts on the Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and President of Racismo MX (Mexico).
    • Miguel Ángel Aguilar García, Coordinating Prosecutor against Hate Crimes and Discrimination of the State Attorney General's Office (Spain)

  • 10:15 - 10:45   Networking coffee break

  • 10:45 - 12:00   Plenary Panel 2 – Intersectionality: building new frameworks to address discrimination in all its forms

    Understanding and addressing discrimination requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach; it demands a nuanced understanding of how various forms of oppression intersect and compound. This panel will delve directly into that nuance, unpacking intersectionality as an essential framework for analyzing and combating systemic discrimination. By exploring how overlapping identities of race, gender, sexuality, disability, and class create unique and often overlooked experiences of marginalization, and drawing on insights from leading experts, this panel will present innovative frameworks designed to address the complex nature of intersectional discrimination. Panelists will showcase how these frameworks can be applied to develop more effective policies, drive legislative reforms, and build institutional resilience that responds to the diverse realities of affected communities, offering a roadmap towards a more just society.

    Moderator: Keith Magee, Chair, The Guardian Foundation

    • Noha El-Haddad Boufares, Co-founder of ACHIME (Spain)
    • Maria Rubia, FAKALI (Spain)
    • Nick Newland, President of the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee (UK)
    • César Mantilla, Spokesperson of Coalition of Social Organizations and National Assembly Deputy (Ecuador)
    • Stella-Monica Mpande, Head of Race Equity Office, The World Bank (USA)
    • Sònia Guerra López, Secretary General of the Department and President of the Catalan Institute for Women (Spain)
    • Vicki Ross, President of UNAFUT (Costa Rica)
    • Maria Elisa Velázquez, Coordinator of the UNESCO Chair on Afro-descendants in Mexico and Central America: Recognition, Expressions, and Cultural Diversity (Mexico)
    • Desirée Bela-Lobedde, Writer and speaker specializing in antiracism (Spain)

  • 12:15 - 13:15   Breakout sessions

    Breakout session 1: Civil Society in Action
    📍Room 118+119

    This session will explore the vital role of civil society in combating racism and discrimination across various sectors. By emphasizing the principles of equality, non- discrimination, and accountability, panelists will discuss concrete strategies for civil society organizations to advocate for human rights and integrate these standards into community-driven initiatives. Through case studies and expert insights, this session aims to equip participants with practical tools for fostering systemic change and protecting marginalized communities, highlighting the power of grassroots movements in advancing social justice.

    Moderator: Nick Newland

    • Eduardo Martínez Gutiérrez, Director of REDIN and Madanjeet Singh Prize Laureate (Mexico)
    • Xirou Xiao, President of LIWAI (Spain)
    • Rethabile Ratsomo, Anti-Racism Manager, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (South Africa)
    • Ibrahim bin Zayed Al Asimi, Deputy Secretary-General of the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue (Saudi Arabia)
    • Noël Boundzanga, Professor, University Omar Bongo (Gabon)
    • Cheikh Drame, President, SOS Racismo (Spain)
    • Oscar Camps, Founder Open Arms (Spain)
    • Presilia Mpanu-Mpanu, Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Expert, at UEFA (UK/Congo)

    Breakout session 2: Migration and Inclusion
    📍Room 120+121

    This session will focus on the rising challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and stateless individuals, examining how various forms of discrimination, including xenophobia, disproportionately affect their rights and well-being. Panelists will explore how these prejudices manifest in policies, social systems, and public perceptions, particularly impacting marginalized groups. Through case studies and lived experiences, the session will address current global crises and discuss approaches that promote inclusion, combat stereotypes, and safeguard the rights of migrants within anti- discrimination and anti-racist frameworks.

    Moderator: Blanca Garcés-Macareña

    • David Moya, Director General of Migration and Refugees (Spain)
    • Rafael Alonso Hernández López, Coordinator of Doctorate in Migration Studies, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte (Mexico)
    • Vladimir Paspuel Revelo, President of Ruminahui Association (Spain)
    • Darla Deardorff, UNESCO Chair for Intercultural Competencies (USA)
    • Linda Adhiambo Oucho, Executive Director of the African Migration and Development Policy Centre (Kenya)
    • Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur in the field of Cultural Rights (Greece)
    • Gyonggu Shin, Executive Director of Gwangju International Center (Republic of Korea)
    Breakout session 3: Ethics of AI: Navigating Bias, Accountability, and Inclusion
    📍Room 122+123

    As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, from healthcare to law enforcement, concerns around ethics, accountability, and discrimination have come to the forefront. This session will critically examine the ethical implications of Al technologies, particularly how biases embedded in algorithms can perpetuate systemic discrimination. Experts will discuss frameworks for responsible AI development and deployment, exploring how to ensure that AI technologies promote inclusivity and fairness rather than entrench inequality. Special focus will be given to the role of governance and international cooperation in setting ethical standards for AI that protect human rights.

    Moderator: Carlos Bajo Erro, Oxfam Intermon (Spain)

    • Óttar Kolbeinsson Proppé, AI Specialist, Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs (Iceland)
    • Demetrio Gómez Ávila, International Trainer (Spain)
    • Wanda Muñoz, Feminist AI Research Network (Mexico)
    • Daris Lewis, Legal & Policy Officer, Equinet (Spain)
    • Mariana Díaz Figueroa, Feminist lawyer (Mexico)
    • Nadeen Matthews Blair, CEO Crescent Advisory Group (Jamaica)
    Breakout session 4: Women's leadership for gender based resilience
    📍Room 124+125
    
    This session will explore the critical intersection of gender equality and economic empowerment, focusing on the persistent wage gaps that affect women across various sectors, from seasonal laborer to scientist. Despite advancements, women continue to face systemic barriers that hinder their financial independence and career progression. The discussion will highlight strategies to promote equitable access to economic opportunities, while addressing how financial autonomy serves as a tool to combat financial abuse, a form of intimate partner violence. By fostering inclusive environments and implementing targeted initiatives, we can work towards closing wage gaps and empowering women at every level of the workforce.

    Moderator: Brian Rusch, Rotary International

    • Anna Rita Manca, Statistician and author of UNESCO's Gender-Based Resilience Framework (Italy)
    • Angela Elena Olazarán Laureano, Winner of Chegg Global Student Prize (Mexico)
    • Angela Anzola, CEO of Fundación PLAN (Colombia)
    • Marisol Argueta de Barillas, Head of Latin America at the World Economic Forum (El Salvador)
    • Prakash Kanti Chowdhury, Joint Secretary, Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs (Bangladesh)
    • Malahat Ibrahimgizi, Member of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan

    Breakout session 5: Combatting Discrimination against LGBTQI+ Individuals
    📍Room 127+128

    All over the world, LGBTQI+ populations face discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, which is often compounded by other forms of discrimination, increasing social exclusion and thus, suffering. Although significant progress has been made in terms of rights in various legislations, inequalities and discrimination persist in key areas such as equal access to health services, decent work, education, and justice. Different fields of activity are scenarios of hate speech, hate crimes and violent manifestations against these communities, provoking exponential suffering due to a culture of contempt embedded in the logic of social networks. This panel will address specific forms of discrimination faced by people and their impact. It will also present actions that have been taken in different sectors to combat these problems. The event aims to discuss, at the regional and international levels, on inclusive policies and the path towards a more equitable society for all identities.

    Moderator: Gisselle Burbano, Programme Specialist, UNESCO Montevideo

    • Juan David, Colombian youth leader, co-founder of the "Fundación Afrojuvenil Matamba" (Colombia)
    • Florencia Astori, Director of the Secretariat for Diversity of Montevideo (Uruguay)
    • Brian Ojeda, Visual producer and creative director (Argentina)
    • Albert Fages, Coordinator of the Office for Non-Discrimination in Barcelona (Spain)
    • Javier Rodríguez Núñez, Commissioner for Policies on Childhood, Adolescence, Youth, and LGTBI (Spain)

    Breakout session 6: Innovative Approaches for Addressing Discrimination and Exclusion through Gamification and Edutainment
    📍Room 129+130

    The session will outline commitment to social innovation and dedication to empowering communities, particularly those impacted by societal stigmas, discriminations and exclusion due to socially constructed biases rooted in cultural relativism and manipulation of ethnicity, cultural and religious differences, and gender misperceptions. It will share good practices and explore avenues for more impactful engagement and greater outreach, prioritizing vulnerable, marginalized and excluded social groups, with a goal to building more inclusive societies and communities. Above all, this session will outline the potential of gamification and edutainment, appreciate and encourage key initiatives developed by and/or with the support of UNESCO using digital tools such as video games, short documentaries, 3D video animation, social media campaigns and storytelling, among others, to create awareness, pass on impactful messages that instill positive attitudes and behavioral change for better mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. It will also open discussions on the ways to improve on assessment and measurement of outreach and impact for the sustainability of interventions to fight racism, discriminations, stigma, and other forms of exclusion.

    Moderator: Garance Sarlat, Associate Programme Specialist UNESCO.

    • Gwamaka George Mwabuka, Co-Founder and Creative Producer, TAI Tanzania (Tanzania)
    • Max Musau, Founder and Lead Game Designer, JIWE Games for Thought (Kenya)
    • Aparna Nayyar, Impact Strategist, Eight Goals One Foundation (India)
    • Eucharia Nkengafack, Regional Communications and Social Media Coordinator, Sonke Gender Justice (Cameroon)
    • Nidhi Raj, Youth Committee Member, International Youth Media Summit (India)
    • Federica Tornincasa, UNDESA Fellow, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa (Italy)

  • 13:15 - 14:30   Lunch break

  • 14:30 - 15:45   Plenary Panel 3 – Public-private partnerships in the fight against racism and discrimination

    In a world where social responsibility is increasingly recognized as a pillar of sustainable development, collaboration between public and private sectors has never been more critical. This panel will convene key players from government, business, philanthropy, NGOs, and civil society to discuss how these diverse stakeholders can work together to advance social responsibility on a global scale. The discussion will delve into strategies for building effective partnerships that transcend traditional sector boundaries, focusing on the importance of aligning goals and values to drive meaningful social change. By exploring real-world examples of successful collaborations, as well as the challenges that arise when different sectors with distinct priorities work together, panelists will address the evolving role of each stakeholder in fostering a socially responsible global community. Participants will leave this discussion with a deeper understanding of how multi-sectoral cooperation can lead to impactful, long- term solutions that benefit society as a whole.

    Moderator: César Mantilla, Spokesperson of Coalition of Social Organizations and National Assembly Deputy (Ecuador)

    • Ronald Pessanha, Chair of the Negritudes Project, TV Globo (Brazil)
    • Denis O’Brien, Founder, The Repair Campaign (Ireland)
    • Heidi Van de Woestyne, Director of People and Culture, Sanofi Spain & Portugal (France)
    • Alejandro Anderlic, Director of Government Affairs, Salesforce Latin America (Argentina)
    • Juan Antonio Segura Lucas, Director-General, Fundación CEPAIM (Spain)
    • Karina Lefèvre, Director, General of Women's Rights, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

  • 15:45 - 16:15   Networking coffee break

  • 16:15 - 17:30   Plenary Panel 4 – Establishing the Global Alliance against Racism and Discrimination

    The fourth plenary session will serve as both a culmination of the forum and the beginning of a movement: this Global Alliance against Racism and Discrimination will connect a diverse coalition of practitioners, policymakers, researchers and civil society leaders to foster ongoing collaboration and action to combat racism and discrimination in cities and communities worldwide. Through this Alliance, participants will be empowered to forge new connections, share knowledge, and commit to advance concrete initiatives that drive meaningful change. The panel will highlight the necessity of collective action, emphasizing the role of the Alliance as a dynamic platform for continuous learning, innovation and progress. By uniting diverse voices and expertise, and leveraging the critical role of media, the Global Alliance will ensure that the fight for equity and justice is not only sustained, but amplified, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the global effort to eradicate racism and discrimination.

    Moderator: Linda Tinio-Le Douarin, Deputy Chief, Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue Section, UNESCO.

    • Maria Eugènia Gay, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona (Spain)
    • Jaume Duch, Minister for the EU and Foreign Action, Government of Catalonia (Spain)
    • Ibram X. Kendi, Author (USA)
    • Aauri Bokesa Abia, Olympic Athlete (Spain)
    • June Soomer, Chair of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (St. Lucia)
    • Beatriz Carrillo de los Reyes, Director-General for Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination and Against Racism, of the Ministry of Equality (Spain)
    • Nikole Hannah-Jones, Journalist, Founder of The 1619 Project (USA)
    • eL Seed, artist (Tunisia)
    • Javier Tebas, President of La Liga

  • 17:45 - 18:45   Breakout sessions

    Breakout session 7: The role of cities and local governments in promoting social cohesion
    📍Room 118+119

    This session will delve into the pivotal role of cities and local governments in fostering inclusive communities and promoting social cohesion. As urban centers increasingly become melting pots of diverse populations, the need for effective governance strategies that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups is paramount. Drawing on insights from UNESCO's International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR), the discussion will highlight successful initiatives and best practices implemented by local governments to enhance inclusivity, such as participatory budgeting, community engagement in policy-making, and the integration of social justice principles into urban planning. By exploring the intersection of local governance and community needs, this session aims to inspire actionable solutions that empower citizens and create more equitable urban environments.

    Moderator: Sara Belbeida, Commissioner for Citizen Relations and Cultural and Religious Diversity

    • Ashan Khehra, Chair of the London Youth Assembly (UK)
    • Fabiana Goyeneche, President of ICCAR (Uruguay)
    • Andre De Jeu, President, Association of Sports and Municipalities (Netherlands)
    • Benedetto Zacchiroli, President of ECCAR (Italy)
    • Francisco Vargas, Council of the Roma People, City Council of Barcelona (Spain)
    • Pablo Fernández, Assistant Secretary-General UCLG (Spain)

    Breakout session 8: Advancing Disability Inclusion: Building on Intersectional Insights
    📍Room 120+121

    This session will delve into the critical importance of disability inclusion as a vital component of social justice, building on insights from the morning's plenary on intersectionality. Recognizing that individuals with disabilities often navigate multiple forms of marginalization, this discussion will highlight effective strategies for promoting accessibility and representation across various sectors. Participants will explore practical initiatives that address the unique barriers faced by disabled individuals, emphasizing the necessity of inclusive policies and practices in education, employment, and public services. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and showcasing innovative solutions, this session aims to ignite a collective commitment to dismantling barriers and championing the rights of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society,

    Moderator: Wanda Muñoz, Feminist Network for Research on AI (Mexico)

    • Ola Abu Al Ghaib, Manager of Technical Secretariat of UN Partnership on Persons with Disabilities Fund, UNDP (Palestine)
    • Albert Carbonell, President of ECOM (Spain)
    • Zinzee Noel, Member of UN Youth Advisory Group for Barbados and OECS
    • Hervé Bernard, Director of Social and Inclusion, Handicap International (France)
    • Mohamed Mansouri, President, IBSAR Association (Tunisia)
    • Mariana Díaz Figueroa, Feminist lawyer (Mexico)
    • Xueli Abbing, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador (The Netherlands)

    Breakout session 9: Confronting and Understanding Racism in Sport
    📍Room 122+123

    This session will critically address the pervasive issue of racism in sports, where athletes have bravely spoken out against discrimination and abuse. Set against the backdrop of an important global sporting culture, participants will explore the impact of racist behavior from fans and its implications for athletes across all sports. The discussion will highlight the role of sports organizations in combating racism and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion. While focusing on immediate actions and policies needed to eradicate racism from the sports community, this session will consider the broader social responsibility of athletes and stakeholders in advocating for equality. This session aims to galvanize support for initiatives that promote dignity and fairness in sports, ensuring that all athletes can compete without fear of discrimination.

    Moderator: Melissa Reddy, Senior Reporter, Sky Sports

    • Raúl Rodríguez Porras, Deputy Director-General, National Sports Council (Spain)
    • Nasser Al-Khori, Executive Director of Generation Amazing (Qatar)
    • David A. Grenardo, Professor and Associate Director for Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership (USA)
    • Piara Powar, Executive Director, FARE Network (UK)
    • Adiaratou Iglesias, Paralympian (Spain/Mali)
    • Chatilla van Grinsven, Basketball player (The Netherlands)
    • Karoline Macedo de Vasconcelos, Leader of Institutional Relations, Vini Jr. Institute (Brazil)

    Breakout session 10: Advancing reparatory justice: a path to healing and equity
    📍Room 124+125

    This session will delve into the concept of reparatory justice as a crucial mechanism for addressing historical injustices and systemic inequalities faced by marginalized communities. Participants will explore various frameworks and approaches for implementing reparations, focusing on the importance of acknowledging past wrongs while actively working towards restorative practices that foster healing. The discussion will highlight successful case studies and innovative initiatives from around the world that exemplify reparatory justice in action. By engaging with diverse perspectives, this session aims to create a collaborative space for stakeholders to share insights, challenges, and potential pathways for advancing equity and justice in their respective contexts.

    Keynote speech: Rev. Keith Magee, Chair of The Guardian Foundation

    Moderator: John Dower, Co-Founder, Heirs of Slavery

    • Dieudonne Boutrin, Co-founder, La Coque Nomade-Fraternite (France)
    • Pierre Guillon de Prince, Co-founder, La Coque Nomade-Fraternite (France)
    • John Dower, Co-founder, Heirs of Slavery (UK)
    • Fernando Macías, Director-General of the Office of Nondiscrimination and Equality (Spain)
    • Fernanda do Nascimento Thomaz, General Coordinator, Ministry of Human Rights (Brazil)

    Breakout session 11: From Disinformation to Racism: Hate Speech and Online Discrimination
    📍Room 127+128

    Hate speech and misinformation on digital platforms are growing threats to democratic societies, especially in a global context where social media and other online forums amplify these issues on an unprecedented scale. According to the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, hate speech includes communications that attack or demean people on the basis of their identity, whether religious, ethnic, national, racial, gender or other forms. In particular, racial hatred and discriminatory narratives have found fertile ground in the digital realm, where they can spread rapidly and without sufficient regulation, directly affecting the safety and well-being of racialized people and polarizing societies. In parallel, disinformation, especially in crisis contexts or during electoral processes, exacerbates prejudices and perpetuates stereotypes, weakening public debate and contributing to racial and ethnic discrimination. The combination of disinformation and online hate speech fosters an environment of hostility and polarization that compromises democratic dialogue and fundamental human rights, highlighting the urgency of addressing these phenomena.

    Moderator: Javier Borrás, Researcher and Editor, CIDOB (Spain)

    • Noa Monrás González, Director General for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights, Government of Catalonia (Spain)
    • Daris Lewis, Legal & policy officer, Equinet (Spain)
    • Karlos Castilla, Lawyer and Associate Professor (Spain)
    • Natalia Diez, Coordinator of Maldito Bulo, Maldita (Spain)

    Breakout session 12: Climate, Racial, Gender, and Reproductive Justice
    📍Room 129+130

    Climate, racial, gender, and reproductive justice are linked and interdependent. The climate crisis affects all members of the global community, but its impact—and resistance to it—is not evenly distributed. Marginalized communities, particularly those who are socially, economically, and politically disadvantaged, bear a disproportionate burden of the climate crisis, experiencing both higher levels of vulnerability and being less likely to be resilient in the face of the crisis. This breakout session will explore how climate, racial, gender, and reproductive justice are linked to sustainable growth and development for women and girls of African descent, as well as other marginalized and discriminated communities.

    Moderator: Patricia da Silva, UNFPA Programme Adviser

    • Anne-Marie Burns: Anti-Harassment/Anti-Discrimination Manager, World Bank (USA)
    • Marie-Elena John: Senior Racial Justice Specialist, UN Women (Antigua and Barbuda)
    • Kwolanne Felix: Community Manager at Black Girl Environmentalist, Gender Equality Public Voices Fellow, and 2021 UN Human Rights Fellow (Haiti/USA)
    • Natasha Lightfoot: Associate Professor in the Department of History and Faculty Fellow in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies at Columbia University (USA)
    • Simona Torotcoi: UN Programme Specialist for Europe, Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) (Romania)
    • Jose Campi-Portaluppi: Director of Advocacy, Equimundo (Ecuador/USA)
  • 19:00 - 19:30   Closing ceremony

    • Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General, Social and Human Sciences Sector of UNESCO
    • Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona (Spain)
    • Ignacio Sola Barleycorn, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Equality of the Kingdom of Spain (Spain)
    • Eva Menor Cantador, Minister of Equality and Feminisim, Government of Catalonia (Spain) 
    • Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd General Conference of UNESCO (Romania)