African Diaspora Enriches Societies Worldwide, Secretary-General Says in Message to Forum, Stressing ‘We Must Act with Greater Urgency’, Rid Scourge of Racism

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the Second Session of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, today:

It is my privilege to convey my greetings to this Second Session of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent.

The establishment of this Forum by the General Assembly crystalized the commitment of the international community to accelerate along the path towards full equality and justice for people of African descent everywhere.  The African diaspora has enriched societies in every corner of the world and contributed enormously to every field of human endeavour.  We celebrate that here today. 

And yet, we are also painfully aware that people of African descent continue to confront entrenched racism and systemic discrimination. The long shadow of centuries of enslavement and colonial exploitation still blights our present.

It is past time to recognize and repair longstanding wrongs. We must act with greater urgency to rid our societies of the scourge of racism, and ensure the full political, economic and social inclusion of people of African descent as equal citizens, without discrimination.

That is the goal of our United Nations Strategic Action Plan on Addressing Racism and Promoting Dignity for All.  I thank you for coming together to share ideas and strategies to help move the world forward.  Together, let us at long last realize a future of dignity, opportunity, and rights for all.  Thank you.