Organized by the City Council of Barcelona and UNESCO in collaboration with the Ministry of Equality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Department of Equality and Feminism and the Department of the European Union and External Action of the Generalitat of Catalonia, the 4th edition of the UNESCO Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination will take place at the International Convention Center of Barcelona (CCIB) on December 10 and 11, 2024.
With the aim of strengthening commitments, this edition promises to build on the progress made by previous editions and will see the emergence of a movement called the “Global Alliance Against Racism and Discrimination,” which aims to promote a collaborative approach in implementing impactful and lasting actions on this issue.
According to the EU Eurobarometer, in 2023, more than 21% of people over the age of 15 reported having experienced discrimination during the previous year, despite the low level of formal complaints, a figure that is increasing. Systemic racism has permeated all sectors of society, and although there are existing anti-racist laws, policies, and institutions, their effectiveness is not guaranteed. Intolerance, exclusion, and xenophobia are on the rise, particularly during election processes exacerbated by social media and hate speech. In Europe, populism has increased with anti-immigration and regressive proposals in the social sphere, and elections worldwide have been tainted by such hatred, highlighting the growing rejection of diversity in society.
While numerous leaders, academic institutions, civil society groups, and NGOs have mobilized to achieve definitive policies and actions, much remains to be done. This underscores the importance of the annual UNESCO Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination. The Forum calls for a concerted effort to find solutions through an approach that encompasses society as a whole, where the voice of the legislator is as valuable as that of community leaders in decision-making.
Sustainable development cannot be achieved if the international community does not take responsibility and address this scourge. Racial equity and justice must be central to development programs at all levels of governance. In this regard, it is essential that governments provide adequate funding mechanisms.
Investing in policies and programs that combat racism generates higher returns in the economy. Having quality data is vital to ground political interventions, highlighting the most vulnerable and racialized groups. To move forward, it is also essential that we recognize and be honest about the legacies of colonialism—the slave trade and centuries of violence—and how they have fueled repression and discrimination.
The Global Alliance Against Racism and Discrimination will translate stakeholder commitments into action by establishing a broad network connecting Member States with a diverse coalition of professionals, authorities, administrations, researchers, artists, and civil society leaders, with the goal of fostering sustained collaboration.
