Remarks by the President of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly,
H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang ,
4th Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent,?
Monday 14 April 2025, General Assembly Hall,
[As Delivered]
?
Excellencies,
?
I am honoured to address the fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
?
It is heartening to see such a strong gathering.
?
Fitting, indeed, for one of the most prominent platforms within the United Nations dedicated to the voices and rights of people of African descent.
?
The work of this Forum will inform crucial deliberations on our calendar.
?
Deliberations that compel us to reflect on the enduring links between past, present, and future¡ªas recognised in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
?
On the deep scars left by slavery, colonialism, and the transatlantic slave trade.
?
And on the legacies of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance that continue to affect people of African descent today.
?
In this spirit, I welcome the launch of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.
?
This milestone reflects the strength of your advocacy.
?
And it reaffirms the global commitment to justice, recognition, and development.
?
Excellencies,
?
The theme of this session, ¡°Africa and People of African Descent: United for Reparatory Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,¡± is timely and deeply relevant.
?
It compels us to confront historical injustices.
?
And to ensure that emerging technologies do not reinforce patterns of systemic racism and exclusion.
?
Artificial intelligence will increasingly shape governance, finance, health, education, and more.
?
It has the potential to significantly boost the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and thus sustainable economic development.
?
But we must ensure that it is developed and governed in ways that promote racial equity, uphold human rights, and guarantee equitable access to opportunity.
?
This is especially true for women and girls of African descent, who need equal access to education, tools and skills training to thrive in the digital economy.
?
Meeting this moment will require coordinated action at the international, national, and institutional levels.
?
The Global Digital Compact, adopted last September as part of the Pact for the Future, is a Plan of Action for bridging the digital divide.
?
It aims to ensure that digital technologies serve the good of everybody, everyone¡¯s good, the common good.
?
And that they promote closing the digital divide while fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable digital environment.
?
I call on Member States to take urgent steps to deliver on this commitment.
?
And I encourage all stakeholders¡ªincluding the private sector¡ªto help shape a digital space that is inclusive, open, secure, and accessible to all.
?
Excellencies,
?
The close of the first International Decade for People of African Descent was a moment to reflect on progress achieved.
?
It was also a reminder that much more remains to be done. We have to keep working.
?
We must pursue effective and sustainable initiatives¡ªrooted in recognition, justice, and development¡ªwith renewed determination.
?
The Second International Decade will be central to this effort.
?
But its success depends on shared commitment, coordinated action, and honest reflection.
?
To chart the path ahead, I count on the leadership and expertise of this Permanent Forum.
?
Your work is essential to advancing the rights of millions of people of African descent around the world.
?
Excellencies,
?
Let us strengthen our efforts to uphold human rights and address the root causes of racism and racial discrimination.
?
Let us recommit to ending racism¡ªeverywhere, in all its forms¡ªin defence of the dignity and equality of every human being.
?
I wish you a productive and successful session.
?
I thank you.
___
Media Contacts
?
Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org
Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations, M: +1 917 361 4990, Email: mariam.shaikh@un.org
?
More Information and Updates?: Website: ???: ??: ; Weekly Highlights
Resolutions of the 79th Session ¨C Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly