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Remarks by the President of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly, 4th Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent,\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Monday 14 April 2025, General Assembly Hall, \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I am honoured to address the fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is heartening to see such a strong gathering.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Fitting, indeed, for one of the most prominent platforms within the United Nations dedicated to the voices and rights of people of African descent.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The work of this Forum will inform crucial deliberations on our calendar.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Deliberations that compel us to reflect on the enduring links between past, present, and future\u2014as recognised in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On the deep scars left by slavery, colonialism, and the transatlantic slave trade.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And on the legacies of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance that continue to affect people of African descent today.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In this spirit, I welcome the launch of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This milestone reflects the strength of your advocacy.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And it reaffirms the global commitment to justice, recognition, and development.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The theme of this session, \u201cAfrica and People of African Descent: United for Reparatory Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,\u201d is timely and deeply relevant.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It compels us to confront historical injustices.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And to ensure that emerging technologies do not reinforce patterns of systemic racism and exclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Artificial intelligence will increasingly shape governance, finance, health, education, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It has the potential to significantly boost the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and thus sustainable economic development.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Meeting this moment will require coordinated action at the international, national, and institutional levels.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It aims to ensure that digital technologies serve the good of everybody, everyone\u2019s good, the common good.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And that they promote closing the digital divide while fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable digital environment.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I call on Member States to take urgent steps to deliver on this commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And I encourage all stakeholders\u2014including the private sector\u2014to help shape a digital space that is inclusive, open, secure, and accessible to all.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The close of the first International Decade for People of African Descent was a moment to reflect on progress achieved.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It was also a reminder that much more remains to be done. We have to keep working.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We must pursue effective and sustainable initiatives\u2014rooted in recognition, justice, and development\u2014with renewed determination.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Second International Decade will be central to this effort.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But its success depends on shared commitment, coordinated action, and honest reflection.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To chart the path ahead, I count on the leadership and expertise of this Permanent Forum.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your work is essential to advancing the rights of millions of people of African descent around the world.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let us strengthen our efforts to uphold human rights and address the root causes of racism and racial discrimination.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let us recommit to ending racism\u2014everywhere, in all its forms\u2014in defence of the dignity and equality of every human being.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I wish you a productive and successful session.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I thank you.<\/span><\/p>\n \n ___<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n \n Media Contacts<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: <\/span>birchs@un.org<\/a><\/span><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser\/ Social and Digital Media\/Media Relations, M: +1 917 361 4990, Email: <\/span>mariam.shaikh@un.org<\/a><\/span><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More Information and Updates\u00a0: <\/span>Website<\/a><\/span><\/u><\/b>: \u00a0<\/span>YouTube: <\/a><\/span><\/u><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>X (Twitter):<\/a><\/span><\/u><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>Instagram<\/a><\/span><\/u><\/b>: \u00a0<\/span>LinkedIn: <\/a><\/span><\/u><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>Photo Repository<\/a><\/span><\/u><\/b>: <\/span>Bluesky<\/a><\/span><\/u><\/b>; <\/span>Weekly Highlights<\/a><\/span><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n
H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang ,<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
[As Delivered]<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/span><\/p>\n