(Part 2) High-level Meeting to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action - General Assembly, 81st session
General Assembly
Date: 28 September 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/asset/k16/k166cn2v34
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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GA · President [17:04]:

The second meeting of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is called to order. We shall now proceed to the panel discussion entitled Youth Leadership Embedding anti-racism across everyday decisions, policy making, institutions and technologies. This discussion will explore how young people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups are shaping public debate, driving action against racism across institutions, sectors, technologies and contributing to mobilizing public support for the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. It will also consider the conditions needed to ensure the safe, meaningful, effective and sustained participation of young people in public life and decision-making. and the measures institutions can take to strengthen youth leadership and embed anti-racism across their work. In accordance with the General Assembly resolution 80/299, the panel will consist of a discussion between a pre-selected list of invited panelists. I'm pleased to welcome our distinguished speakers and the moderator of this panel, Her Excellency, my dear colleague, Ms. Pingiran, Hajarani Pingiran, Haja Tajudin, Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations, who will conduct the discussions. Your Excellency, you have the floor.


Brunei Darussalam · Permanent Representative; Moderator · Hajarani Pingiran Haja Tajudin [18:53]:

Thank you. Thank you, Excellency, and for giving me the floor. Excellencies, distinguished guests and colleagues, I'm honored to open and moderate this panel with the theme, Youth Leadership, Embedding Anti-Racism Across Everyday Decisions, Policymaking, Institutions and Technologies. And with me here are four distinguished panelists, who will look at how young people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups as leaders in their own right. They're changing how racism is addressed in public, pressing institutions, industries, and technologies to act, and building public backing for the implementation of the DDPA. Their contribution goes beyond advocacy and outreach. They're helping to transform institutions and societies from within. So we will ask two questions. What makes youth-led initiatives succeed and what is needed for young people to take part in public life and decision-making safely, meaningfully, effectively and over the long term? So without further ado, our first panellist is Anatole Araba. Araba Anatola is a Forbes 30 under 30 futurist, filmmaker and creative technologist. She is the founder of her studio, Reimagine Story Lab, and an emerging media professor. Anatola has advised the UN on digital innovation. She's also spoken a couple of times in the UN, Dubai's Museum of Future, AfroTech, SXSW, and universities worldwide. Her films and multimedia work have been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, and she made history when her art traveled to the moon on NASA's first moon mission since 1972. Anatalla holds an MFA in art and technology from CalArts and graduated from the NYU Tisch School of Arts. So, Anatalla, I'm happy to have you here. So my question to you is, how are young people reimagining the relationship to technology in order to build momentum for action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance? What factors can they make the efforts effective? Please.


Founder · Anatole Araba [21:11]:

Conversation. Okay, amazing. Thank you so much for your question, Your Excellency, and I'm happy to answer in distinct parts of how young people are shaping the future and what institutional support is needed to push these efforts further. And I'll start with the framing that young people today are inheriting a world in what I call the imagination crisis. And much like a plant that grows through the cracks of the concrete, young people are growing up in a world that is marked by deep uncertainty, uncertainty across our environment, our technologies, and our infrastructure. And despite this, they are actively turning their visions into infrastructure and redefining these relationships to create the future that they want to see. I also think of my mother, Naomi Aon, who was born in 1968, the same year that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. She was born to an African-American father and Swedish-American mother, only one year after interracial marriage was made legal in the United States. This racial tension of the time was also so intense that her parents made a painful decision to, instead of facing the disapproving gaze of their families and communities, her up for adoption. She went on to teach African American literature at Harvard and Yale with activist Angela Davis as her PhD dissertation advisor. And for me, as a media artist stemming from this legacy, I went on to be inspired by a dynamic field called Afrofuturism, which uses the painful history of othering and dehumanization that we have faced in order to slingshot vibrant and liberatory futures and imagine futures where we actually get it right. So This summer, we celebrated America's 250th birthday, and this was a very powerful time to reflect on how far we have come and also how far we have to go. So today, as we mark 25 years since the Durban Declaration, that call for a deep reflection also belongs not just to America, but to all of us. Because we are living in a time where artificial intelligence is turning the digital divide into an even deeper abyss. And from this darkness, I see another kind of divide emerging, what I call the imagination divide. Because AI is making the bridge between imagination and reality shorter than ever before. And despite this, it's vastly easier to imagine the collapse of our world than it is to imagine one where systems of oppression are fully dismantled. So therefore, the question is, whose imagination will become the scaffolding for the world we want to live in for the next 200 years? To seed a regenerative or an equitable and abundant future, we will urgently need to center the imaginations of the global majority and those who have historically been pushed to the margins, from Black imagination or Indigenous imaginations, from feminine to ecological imaginations. And also, speaking of margins, I don't know about everyone here, but in high school, I would doodle all along the margins of my school notebooks, especially in physics class. And this habit would actually make the margins the most beautiful and vibrant parts of the page. And as such, it's important to note that marginalized imaginations are already robust, powerful, and whole and complete just as they are. However, they must be supported and nurtured by our institutions, systems, and infrastructure. So here are three things we have to build and three ways institutions can support this next generation of civilization builders. First, we must reframe agency over access. Agency is different from access. For instance, access to technology is not the same as agency to shape it. Consider the reframing of large language models, which have devastating environmental impact and are fueled by data centers that often displace Black and Brown communities. In the face of this, these same communities today are developing their own small, local language models, which are community-centered and trained on sovereign data that they themselves own. This reminds us that small, local actions in our communities can lead to a huge global impact. Next, we must redesign intergenerational collaboration because generations, just like diverse perspectives, are not meant to act in silos. We're meant to all benefit from mutual collaboration, and this is the support young people need. May young people learn from elders and may elders in turn also learn from young people equally. May young people serve on boards and foster intergenerational collaboration, all working towards the future we want to build. And last, let us remember an ancient future. Sankofa, a Ghanaian symbol that represents learning from the past to build what's to come. May this spirit allow us to embrace ancient practices together with our new technologies so that our ancestral values, values of collective care, of ecological cooperation and mutual abundance will be amplified by the technologies we have and not destroyed by them. So that our futures won't look like our dystopian visions in our science fiction novels, because the goal is not utopia. but it's rather protopia or a world that is meaningfully better, not perfect, but better, which is possible if we work together. So with that, I want to ask you to imagine a new future with me right here at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, because I believe that imagination is the greatest technology of humanity and one that is powerful enough to grow a new world, even if it has to break through the concrete. So are you ready? I ask you all to please hold out your hand like this. Perfect. Now, imagine one vision you have for a future without racism. Do you have it? One where people from all backgrounds can be seen, heard, and fully self-expressed. What does it look like? See it clearly in your mind's eye. Now, hold this vision in the palm of your hand and close your hand and hold it like a seed. This is your world seed. And together, on the count of three, we're going to turn our hands over like this and drop our seeds into the garden of the future. Ready? One, two, three. Amazing. Great job. May we all see the future and watch it bloom together.


Brunei Darussalam · Permanent Representative; Moderator · Hajarani Pingiran Haja Tajudin [29:14]:

Thank you so much, Anatalla. It's very refreshing, you know, views that you shared. And I think it's important, you know, where you highlight the power of narrative, media and future forward thinking and the focus on digital storytelling, reframing our collective vision is really incredibly inspiring. So thank you for that. I will now move on to Roger Wharram. Wharram, sorry if I pronounced your name wrong. A lawyer and political activist for over five decades. He is a member of the December 12th Movement, an organization of African people which organizes in the Black and Latino community around human rights violations. Mr. Warren was a lead attorney in the historic lawsuits filed in the United States federal district courts in 2002 for reparations due to descendants of enslaved Africans in the United States. Roger is the International Secretary General of the International Association Against Torture, and since 1989, he has participated annually at assemblies of the United Nations Human Rights Council to present evidence of human rights violations facing people of color. Mr. Warham was an active organizer of and a leading participant in the 2001 United Nations World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa, which recognized that transatlantic slave trade and slavery were crimes against humanity for which reparations are due. So, Roger, it is also a pleasure to have you here today. My question to you is what legal, institutional, financial, and other forms of support are needed to ensure that young people affected by racism and racial discrimination can participate safely, effectively, meaningfully, and consistently in public affairs? I give you the floor, Roger.


International Secretary General · Roger Wharram [31:08]:

Thank you. I'm going to try and answer your questions in in a larger perspective. I think that the legal, institutional, and financial support necessary to have young people participate really comes from enough pressure being put on those institutions to make that possible. We live sometimes under a mythology that democracy affords everyone the same opportunities to do things. And the experience of black people in the United States is that whatever achievements we made, whatever progress we made, came from our ability to organize our community and to pressure those institutions to provide those services or those opportunities. So I want to really start from looking at the particularity of what brought us here today, which is the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration, because I think that provides a case study for young people in terms of what they need to look at. When this was first presented as an opportunity, I was honored to be able to do it, and I said, "But what am I going to say?" And I thought about it, what would I say, how would I have felt because I started doing work around concrete actions, work around racism, racial discrimination when I was 16, 17 years old. So I was saying, I said, well, I think in retrospect, the best thing I can do would be to share with you, particularly young people, what I would have wanted to know when I was a young person in the midst of a turbulent world and maybe some of the things that Anatol talked about, because it's increasing people's perspective and horizon of what is possible. So let's take a look at Durban. I think it's important to begin with the wisdom imparted by two great Black thinkers of the 20th century, Frantz Fanon and Malcolm X. Frantz Fanon said, "Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it." Malcolm X's words are indispensable to assuming the task which Fanon has just laid out. Malcolm X said, "Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research." For young people in their determination to build an anti-racist world, you must know that you must confront the reality that your lived history will be targeted with distortion and erasure. And we can see that very clearly in terms of what's happening in the United States now. For African people throughout the diaspora and our demand for reparations, we are in a constant battle to uphold the truth of the crimes committed against our ancestors, and not just then, but continuing against us today. The DDPA and the process which led to its adoption is a very important and I think germane case study that we can learn from. Why some people may ask, why is the DDPA so important? Most people have not even heard of it. And it's important and controversial. First, let me just say this, that unequivocally, the DD, the adoption of the DDPA represented a historic victory for African people. It was a Pan-African achievement, and we don't have time to go through all of the particulars, but that's what it represented. The DDPA states that the transatlantic slave trade and slavery were crimes. It says it in kind of sometimes equivocal language, but it set the basis that they were crimes. Sometimes we have difficulty perceiving that there were crimes. You know, we look at titles, kings and queens, dukes and duchesses, lords and ladies, popes, bishops, captains, generals, ship owners. That's, but when you look at who they actually were and what they did, what you see are, when you take away all the titles, are members of a criminal enterprise. That's what it was, a criminal enterprise which stole Africans from the African continent and or may have traded or bartered for them and brought them in to make them work for nothing. They were just like the mafia, just more ruthless. Crimes against humanity have no statute of limitations. Therefore, the criminals are subject not simply to repair the damage, but to prosecution. The DDPA was first and foremost, and I'm listening to WEO Group talk, the European Union, but it was first and foremost about African people's long unfulfilled demand for reparations from the criminals who have evaded punishment. It demanded a recognition that the basis of racism is not some psychological aberration, but it is fueled by It has an economic basis, which is why it continues. At the very, and if you don't believe, the very first international prep com for this world conference in May of 2000, the United States ambassador said, "If this world conference is going to address, "have reparations or compensation on its agenda, "the United States will not participate." They drew a red line in May of 2000 at the very first point, which indicates that they understood what this was about and why it was important to them. Eventually, they maintain that position and eventually when the world conference actually occurred, they withdrew, it was either the middle of the first or the second week. And when they withdrew, they didn't say to its black citizenry that they were withdrawing because they were opposed to reparations. They hid it under the baseless banner of anti-Semitism. And I'm not saying that anti-Semitism is baseless, but that there is no Nothing in the Durban Declaration and Program of Action which can even be remotely interpreted as anti-Semitic, but they maintain that position to this day because they believe most people are not even going to read it to question that. The December 12th Movement, which is the organization I belong to, and the National Black United Front brought 400 Black people to Durban because we had been working in the United Nations since 1989. We understood the importance of lobbying, that the people came not for a vacation, not for a safari. They came to do work and lobby at Durban. Many of those 400 people were young people, probably younger than you, in their teens and in early 20s. There was a documentary that was made called The Durban 400, which is available on YouTube, and I ask people that they should check it out. It is a primer for all people, particularly young people, around how an organized civil society, particularly young people, can affect change on both the local, national, and international level. From its adoption, let me just say this, from its adoption by consensus on September 8, 2001, the Durban Declaration came under siege, under target. It was really a victim of a campaign, a disappearance campaign led by, I hate to say this, but it's true, the WEOW group. Why? Because these countries were either the actual colonizers or their settler colony states were the perpetrators and beneficiaries of the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racialized enslavement of Africans. Their opposition is reflected in the failure to implement the DDPA in their own countries and on the international level by exerting its disproportionate influence on the UN to abandon its normal protocols regarding world conferences. And there's one, two quick examples. The UN did not convene its first, its five-year world conference follow-up to Durban until eight years after the conference ended. And only after a tremendous uproar was brought by the civil society organizations, why it had not happened. Second, a little more germane today, today's high level segment is being convened at the end of the general debate. The end of the general debate, when nearly all of the heads of state have already left the United States, rather than on the day before the general debate began, which is when it's normally held, And when such a segment would attract a great amount of global media attention. And this final, let me just give one more example in terms of the, what I see as the campaign to really diminish the DDPA. One of the signature achievements of the working group, I mean, of the DDP was a call for a working group of experts on people of African descent, whose mandate was to study the problems of racial discrimination faced by people of African descent, living in the African diaspora, and make proposals for the elimination of racial discrimination against people of African descent. That working group has done stellar work over its 24 years of existence, 25 years. Excuse me. But there have been recent moves to wither away the working group and replace it, a de facto campaign to replace it with a newly created permanent form of people of African descent. My point being that the existence of one does not preclude the continuation of the other, but it's being posed as that. Finally, I would say The importance of the DDPA is that it made reparations for African people a global issue. And the task, as many countries have said today, now is to make what's on paper become the reality in African people's lives. I'll end with a slogan that we developed in our campaign for Durban. It says, "They stole us, they sold us, they owe us. Reparations now." Thank you.


Brunei Darussalam · Permanent Representative; Moderator · Hajarani Pingiran Haja Tajudin [41:53]:

Thank you so much, Roger. I really appreciate your sharing the invaluable experience in your work over the years, which I believe is important for us to listen to these perspectives to ensure we can meaningfully achieve the objectives of the DDPA. Our next panelist is Joe Banner. founder and director of the Descendants Project, holding bachelor's and master's degrees in communications, and she uses her education to honor the legacy of enslaved people while defending descendant communities. Joe is a strong advocate for environmental justice, working to eliminate pollution from grain to petrochemicals. She represents frontline communities in global spaces like the UN Plastics Pollution Treaty, highlighting the health toll of plastic production on Black communities and other fenceline residents. So, dear Joe, turning to you, I'd like to ask what concrete measures can institutions undertake to strengthen youth leadership and embed anti-racism as a cross-cutting priority across Please, the floor is yours.


Founder and Director · Jo Banner [43:01]:

Thank you. Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to be in your presence. Once again, my name is Jo Banner. I'm from Louisiana. I started and run an NGO called The Descendants Project. My ancestors were among the first Africans enslaved on local plantations more than 300 years ago, and I still live near these sites. The mix of Africans, Europeans, and indigenous people on these plantations helped create the rich culture our region, Louisiana, is known for today. But these lands, shaped by the suffering of Africans and their descendants, have become sites of fossil fuels, petrochemicals, and other pollutants that are making nearby Black communities sick at an alarming rate. When I was 10 years old, I was almost forced to leave my Black descendant community of Wallace. A proposed industrial facility called Formosa Plastics, aided by the actions of a corrupt local president in St. John Parish, my municipality, targeted our community. At a young age, I learned how little our past and future of people of African descent were valued. Thanks to community organizing, lawsuits, and public outcry, the developers canceled the project. However, the racist industrial zoning still impacts our community today, making us more vulnerable to development. Now, 30 years later, as an adult, it's still hard to have a voice in this fight. For our youth, it's even harder. Plantations were sacrifice zones, and Afro-descendants, especially in Louisiana, are still harmed. In my area, St. John the Baptist Parish, cancer risk is the highest in the country. Rates of asthma, heart disease, and other illnesses are also high, affecting Afro-descendants and the youth more than others. These pollutants do not stay in my community, but are shipped across the globe to other marginalized communities. I started the Descendants Project to give voice to the descendants of the enslaved, not just as placeholders of our ancestors, but as individuals with reverence to our past, but deserving of our own futures. My organization focuses on preserving Black history, not erasing it. I have hired employees and contractors and supported young people in our community. I operate three different plantation sites, all in service to tell the story of our ancestors and offer a path not only towards a just transition away from polluting industries that harm our health, but also a pathway to a just return to reconnect with the history and culture hidden by enslavement. Excuse me. Even with our successes, fighting against a racist plantation system that is deeply rooted in our society is not easy. You see these challenges firsthand. Human rights defenders of color, especially black women like myself, are often targeted in social media and articles, marketing, and more by industry and their supporters. More involvement from the United Nations, especially through Consultations like the one we are part of today give us a chance to support human rights defenders. People of African descent should be acknowledged as right holders, not just stakeholders, allowing us a space to intervene. Defenders should also have access to resources that help expand their work to engage BIPOC youth and address safety concerns as they defend human rights. Educational materials on the right to clean air, water, land, and other basic rights, along with anti-discrimination resources like reports from the Chisholm Legacy Project, should reach and inspire youth. Children of African descent should be allowed, and other marginalized communities should be allowed to choose their own paths without influence from industry. propaganda, especially in our schools. Too often, fossil fuel companies that take resources from schools through subsidies then fill a gap with materials labeled as resources, which are actually propaganda. The Plastic Pollution Coalition says in its new report, "Plastic Expelled: Exposing Industry Propaganda in U.S. Schools," that pro-plastics educational campaigns exploit the vulnerabilities of underfunded schools and a lack of science resources for teachers, along with decentralized curriculum decisions, creating openings for corporate involvement in education. I have witnessed industrial polluters being allowed to engage with schools. I've seen them work with schools by sponsoring school drives, supply drives, handing out corporate branded items like pencils and school bags to students. Adopting a treaty like the Business and Human Rights Treaty, which calls for ending subsidies and corporate influence, is essential to give youth real independence. Youth of African descent face more challenges from extreme weather, pollution, and racist policies that take away their ability to protect their well-being. Important environmental safeguards have been weakened at both federal and state levels, often to protect industrial polluters instead of our youth. Permits are now fast-tracked, reducing or removing chances for young people to speak up for their health. Even though proof shows industrial facilities are placed more often in communities of color and black communities, racial disparities are no longer considered when making permitting decisions. Youth have a right to their history just as much as their futures. Laws such as the National Historic Preservation Act of the United States must not only be strengthened, but also provide more opportunities to engage in a Section 106 consultation process, which gives youth a literal seat at the table. National federal law should protect history, even when that history is horrific, such as in the genocide of indigenous people and the enslavement of Africans, allowing museums, schools, and other institutions the freedom to present the truth without reprisal. Giving our youth a clean and healthy environment is the best gift that we can give them. And to achieve this, we must stop producing pollution. Treaties such as the Plastic Pollution Treaty must include measures to stop plastic production at its source and throughout its entire life cycle. The health of our youth should take precedence over the low ambition of some member states. The total of slavery would never be accounted for, its horrors are unspeakable, but even still descendants of the enslaved like myself and many of our youth are here to speak of it and to it. Afro-descendants, especially those in the global north who were used for the wealth of this country and many others, need the space to do so. So once again, it is imperative that people of African descent have their place and time to intervene in the United Nations spaces, not only to give their voice a chance to be heard, but the voices of their ancestors who never had the opportunity to do so. Thank you.


Brunei Darussalam · Permanent Representative; Moderator · Hajarani Pingiran Haja Tajudin [49:33]:

Thank you, Joe, for your insightful views as well, and the work that you're doing with the Descendants Project to protect both the living community and the ancestral burial grounds is a profound testament to community care and historical preservation. So thank you for that. Last but certainly not least, we have Ambassador James Waweru, the chair rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and the Programme of Action III. Ambassador James is the Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations in Geneva. Ambassador James, could you perhaps share some reflections on the topic of today's panel? based on your experience as chair rapporteur. Please, you have the floor.


Kenya · Chair-Rapporteur · James Waweru [50:26]:

Thank you very much. I think I'll start by first thanking the panelists for their insightful comments and insights. I'll start by saying every generation inherits a world shaped by the choices of those before it. We meet at a time when the world feels both very familiar but radically new. Familiar because racism, racial discrimination, and equality continue to shape our lives, institutions, and opportunities. But new because something remarkable is happening. Young people, especially those from marginalized communities, are not waiting to inherit the future. They are shaping it now, insisting that dignity, equality, and justice are not of aspirations, but obligations. They are demanding transformation, not tomorrow, Not eventually, but now. So 25 years after Durban Declaration, we are, as has been said, meeting amid profound global uncertainty. Trust between countries, within societies and institutions is weakening, precisely when international cooperation and multilateralism are most needed. This crisis also comes in the backdrop of crushing economic inequalities globally. Inequality determines whose voices are heard, who participates in decision making. Inequality also means, to give a small example, some children will go to school each morning, while others sadly will go to work to augment family incomes. People facing racial discrimination, inequality is also compounded by marginalization, stigmatization, and violence. We all know that racism does not operate in isolation. It intersects with other grounds of discrimination. It manifests itself in individual attitudes and through institutions that reproduce historical patterns of inclusion. Technology today is adding another dimension. Digital platforms can spread racial hatred at extraordinary speed. And artificial intelligence, without safeguards, reproduces and amplifies racial bias. So this is the world in which we commemorate Durban. And it is precisely why Durban's commitments remain essential, if not indispensable, today. We can all agree that the DDPa is the most comprehensive framework for confronting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. It affirms that cultural diversity is a cherished asset for humanity's advancement, for diversity is a source of strength rather than division. But Durban also marked a turning point in understanding racism. It acknowledged slavery and colonialism as among the root causes of present racial discrimination. That historical truth is indispensable to confronting enduring inequalities, restoring dignity, and designing effective measures for racial justice. The intergovernmental group of which I am the owner of chairing is working on a draft United Nations declaration on the human rights of people of African descent. Reparations and remedies for past crimes are central to our work. I hope that we can soon agree on language that encourages and enables concrete global action to address the lasting consequences of enslavement and colonialism, and by doing so, restore dignity and help heal wounds of millions of Africans and people of African descent instilled centuries ago. Excellencies, Ending racism is essential to our peace and development. Peace thrives where everyone belongs and is treated equally, but also has a voice. And here is where the role of young people is indispensable. You see, the DDP recognized 25 years ago that the role of the youth in advancing racial equality. It was visionary then in encouraging their full and active participation. And today, young people are showing that anti-racism is not a moral stance. It's a daily practice. They challenge the bias in classrooms, workplaces, and digital spaces. They demand that public policies reflect dignity and not discrimination. They insist on digital tools, including AI, uphold human rights rather than replicate historical atrocities. You see, young people are key partners in advancing human rights and building a just, inclusive, and peaceful society. Their leadership is reinforcing the work of the UN. Young people challenge stereotypes through art, music, and education, and technology. They challenge customs that we have known. They create new narratives and borderless civil rights movements. From their lived experiences, as Anatol has said, and Joe, they demand for structural change to public discourse. Young people are conceiving new futures, futures where dignity is non-negotiable. where institutions are accountable, where technologies serve justice, and where racism is confronted in everyday decisions. Young people are leading this work and reminding us that solidarity is not a slogan or catchword, it is a strategy. Youth participation must be meaningful. For it to be meaningful, it's only when young people can influence decisions. Too often, young people are rarely consulted and only enter the room when the priorities have already been set. They are invited to speak, but cannot shape outcomes. But meaningful participation requires access, information, resources, safety and influence. Youth representatives and activists need civic space that is safe, both online and offline. They need institutional channels through which they can develop, implement and evaluate policies. They need funding and training. And institutions must be ready to respond and listen. But youth leadership must be structural and not symbolic, must be enduring and not episodic, must be integrated into governance systems and not confronted to moments of crisis as is now. This new paradigm shift is not an aspiration. We need to normalize youth power in decision making, embed anti-racism across all mandates. As mentors, we must invest in youth-led innovation and make anti-racism training mandatory in all institutions and in emerging tech. As I close, youth leadership is what is breathing life into the promise that was birthed in Durban. We need to meet their leadership with that of our own. We need to ensure that the DWPA is not only implemented, but lived. Lived in our institutions, in our technologies, in our laws, and in our daily choices. You see, the future that I see the youth building, and I'm one of them, is bold, just, and inclusive. Our task is very, very simple. Stand with them, invest in them, follow their lead, and ensure that the fight against racism is woven in every fabric of society, today and for generations to come. See, good people, let the innocents who are yet to be born inherit a world that is shaped by absolute best of our choices. Let history show that we did not shrink from the challenge. We rose to it. We chose courage over comfort and action over apathy. Let us be the generation that showed up, that stood up, that stepped up, and that led. You see, the future is not something that you'll inherit. It is something that you build. And to every young leader in the room and online and everywhere else, the future is waiting for you. So step up, stand tall, and be bold. The future will not have any voice until you give it your own. So make that a loud one. And as I conclude, this future that I'm talking about is now, is today, is not tomorrow. Thank you very much.


Brunei Darussalam · Permanent Representative; Moderator · Hajarani Pingiran Haja Tajudin [59:10]:

Thank you, Ambassador James. Certainly a very powerful message you delivered. I think the Durban Working Group really does carry the heavy load of the implementation of the DDPA. We really value the work that's been done, and I think it's incumbent on all of us to really work together to address the lasting impacts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and other related intolerances. I think we have a little bit of time, so maybe before we close or before I deliver a summary of the discussion, perhaps two minutes each, some last parting messages perhaps from each panelists. Could I start with Anatole perhaps, please?


Founder · Anatole Araba [1:00:00]:

Yes, thank you so much for taking the time to center youth voices. And it's so true when looking at how young people are viewing the world today, the vast majority already feel that in terms of governments, that the system is rigged against them. The question is, They want to make a difference, but it's hard to find the pathways to do so. There's uncertainty around technology and how it'll shape their jobs and futures. The uncertainty around the very environment that we'll be able to grow up to have the air that we're breathing and the oceans that are around us. And in the face of these, young people are still building with heart and soul and passion, different movements, initiatives, and institutions that we all need to nurture and grow. Each of their initiatives you can see as a sprout or a star making up a larger constellation. But as was said from fellow panelists, they need your investment, support, and championship to go further. Because I believe we can all agree that a revolution of collective imagination is needed now. But we need these innovations to be able to scale so that we can all inhabit the visions that we have for what the world can be, and that we can all use the problems of today and see them so that we can reimagine, redefine, and reinvent the way things are. And that is why I argue to take down some of the bureaucracy that inhibits young people from participating in our systems and infrastructure so that we are able to turn these visions into the next systems and the next civic world and the next art projects and the next technologies that are able to inspire seven generations from now. Because we all grew the world we're living in together and all the generations working together can help to seed what we must have and what is possible. Thank you.


Brunei Darussalam · Permanent Representative; Moderator · Hajarani Pingiran Haja Tajudin [1:02:33]:

Thank you. Beautiful message. I now give the floor to Roger. Please, Roger.


International Secretary General · Roger Wharram [1:02:41]:

I would just reiterate the point I was making with the quote from Frantz Fanon in terms of the responsibility of each generation to just through relative obscurity, because that's what we're going through now, relative obscurity, to discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it. And for those of us who are old, like all these gray hairs like me, to be able to communicate with the younger generation and that sort of dialogue has to happen. When I was a young person, that was going on, but there seem to be very many divisions now in terms of people even being able to communicate with each other. So I think it's the task of those of us who are older to be able to speak with younger people and those who are younger to be open to listening, because I think it's going to require that intergenerational exchange and learning of energy and creativity and vision that will enable us to change the situation. So it presents an opportunity. It's a present, sometimes obstacles present opportunities, and the obstacles we face now are opportunities for us to overcome them. And when you study history, you understand that things which at some times seemed impossible, seemed that way until they were done. When black people were in chattel slavery, there were many folks who said, we can't get out of this. And Harriet Tubman showed them not only could they get out of it, but that they could get out of it and they could destroy it. So I think that's the lessons that we have to communicate and come together and move on. Thank you.


Brunei Darussalam · Permanent Representative; Moderator · Hajarani Pingiran Haja Tajudin [1:04:31]:

Thank you, Roger. I do agree with you. The intergenerational communication is important. Thank you. I now give the floor to Joe, please.


Founder and Director · Jo Banner [1:04:41]:

Thank you. As I mentioned in my previous statement, we steward different, with three different plantation sites. One of those sites is called the Woodland Plantation. And that site is the site of the largest slave revolt that happened in the United States. When I'm working on that site, I have to contemplate that history. But there's also other parts of the history that exist on the site as well, and one is. of a musician by the name of Kid Ory. He was eight years old when he started his very first band. He was a descendant of the enslaved at Woodland Plantation. Now, maybe you have not heard of the musician Kid Ory, but perhaps you've heard of one of his proteges, who's Louis Armstrong. It was Kid Ory who first hired Louis Armstrong to play in his band, and it's Kid Ory who's believed to actually have bought Louis Armstrong his first trumpet. And so I think about Kid Ory as an eight-year-old, and starting a band and all the organization and even building his own instruments and having that creativity and that freedom to dream and create his own music. And I think about our youth and what's happening in our country, particularly the black youth in the south, that their minds are being captured by industry, that our school systems aren't allowing them to create their own music and to make those connections that Kid Ory did that gave us the gift of Louis Armstrong, including himself. And so our work is really to show them that they can dream, that can create their own music, they can dance to the beat of their own drum, and they in turn can also protect their environment. They can break away from this legacy of pollution that is direct ties to the plantation system. We no longer have to be the sacrifice zones that this system has put in place for us as Afro-descendants. And so my goal is really to share more about our history, more about our art. Art, I know working in this field, we desperately need more people to be a part of these different careers. And who better than the marginalized people to be able to find and take part in their own history and be able to present it to the world. So our work will support that and I really encourage others to do the same. Thank you.


Brunei Darussalam · Permanent Representative; Moderator · Hajarani Pingiran Haja Tajudin [1:07:09]:

Thank you, Jill, for that really beautiful message. And lastly, Ambassador James, the floor is yours.


Kenya · Chair-Rapporteur · James Waweru [1:07:18]:

Thank you very much, Your Excellency. I've had tough acts to follow, but I think I will just say this. Many times, we don't understand the ways and means of the generation before us, and certainly not the generation after us. But if you look at it, the UN has been here for 81 years. The DDPA has been here for 25 years. But we are still here. And I think for a long time, my personal take is that we have been working in silos and not trying to understand each other. And I do agree with Roger that it comes time for us to have a cross-generation dialogue. A cross-generation dialogue where we, the older youth, because we move cautiously, and the younger youth can move fast, why don't we then join together so we can either move fast cautiously or cautiously fast? And this will be guided obviously by our experiences, but also make it fit for purpose for today. So my closing parting shot is, I think, join me in making the future of my daughter and her daughter the product of my very best choice. And taking forward Anatola's seed that we just planted, may we see that it grow, but for something to grow, You need to tend it. So may we tend Anatola's seed as we make the choices, our choices, the best for the generation to come. I thank you very much.


Brunei Darussalam · Permanent Representative; Moderator · Hajarani Pingiran Haja Tajudin [1:08:49]:

Thank you so much, Master James. Please, Anatola, quickly. Yeah.


Founder · Anatole Araba [1:08:55]:

Thank you. I love the urgent call to nurture those seeds and watch them grow. And on the subject of art and storytelling, I wanted to share one quote from Eddie S. Glaude, who writes that, "History isn't fate. "To ignore the past or to make of it a fairy tale, "or to deny it altogether will seal our fate. "Those who cannot remember the past "are condemned to repeat it. "Remembering is not sufficient to secure a better future. what and how we remember and what and who we exclude from our stories matter because those memories and stories shape how we act today and how we fight for our future. So I invite you to consider that as we tell stories of those who have historically been oppressed, those from Africa and its diaspora, and what stories can we claim our histories so that we can empower the futures we're building? Thank you.


Brunei Darussalam · Permanent Representative; Moderator · Hajarani Pingiran Haja Tajudin [1:10:10]:

Thank you so much. So, dear panelists, so I think, you know, we can all agree that this session has certainly been very enriching. A lot of sharing of what's been done, what has worked, and what is there more for us to do. If I could maybe just summarize a little bit. that imagination is infrastructure. And before, so before any institution can change, the public has to first be able to picture a different outcome. And that is the work of the storytelling that Anatalla's been talking about, you know, media and creative technology is just as important as it is the work of policy. And two different vantage points that we heard from Roger and Joe making the same point that participation without resourcing is not really participation. So whether it's a seat in the Human Rights Council or in the Plastics Treaty negotiations, young people and frontline communities are too often invited, but perhaps has to be more meaningful in being able to shape what happens there. you know, and but I think at the end of the of it all, Ambassador James presence here in itself is a closing point and none of what we discussed today needs a new mechanism. The Durban Working Group is already exists to receive it and the task ahead is to root today's energy into that machinery rather than build a parallel one. So, thank you so much to the incredible panelists on the table sharing your profound insights, expertise, vision, and vision for us today. I wish we had more time, but I hope this conversation does not stop here. So I now hereby close the panel. And before I do, please join me to give a round of applause for the panels. So, Excellency, the floor is back to you. Thank you.


GA · President [1:12:09]:

I thank Her Excellency, Ms. Hirani, for skillfully moderating this important discussion. I also thank our distinguished panelists, distinguished speakers for the invaluable contributions and for highlighting the vital role of youth leadership in mobilizing public support and advancing the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Thank you again very much. We shall now continue the general debate of the high-level meeting. I would like to remind the speakers that the statements are limited to three minutes when speaking in a national capacity and five minutes when speaking on behalf of group of states. Participants with longer statements are encouraged to deliver a shorter version of the text and submit the full statement to the Secretariat. Bearing in mind the time limits, I appeal to speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace so that interpretation into the official languages of the United Nations may be provided properly. I appeal for the cooperation of all distinguished speakers in observing the time limits so that all those inscribed may be heard during the time allotted. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Eritrea.


Eritrea [1:14:59]:

Mr. President, 25 years ago, the international community reached a landmark consensus in Durban, recognizing that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance are fundamental violations of human dignity.

Yet today.

This scourge persists, millions of people continue to experience racial discrimination, bias, and structural inequalities. We must confront the hard truth that racism, discrimination, systematic inequalities, and neocolonialism structures are the enduring legacies of slavery, colonialism, and exploitation that continue to impact the Global South. Eritrea echoes the call for preparatory justice, emphasizing that addressing these historical wrongs through reparations, the restitution of cultural assets, and the dismantling of structural inequalities is essential to restoring dignity and building a more equitable international order. Mr. President, mobilizing global public support for the fall and the effective implementation of the declaration requires political will to translate commitments made in Durban into concrete, accountable actions. First, we must strengthen national and international legacy and policy frameworks to combat systemic racism, ensuring equal access to justice, education, health, and economic opportunities for all individuals without distinction. Second, we must harness the power of education, media and public awareness to challenge deep-rooted stereotypes and foster a culture of tolerance, equality, and mutual respect. Third, Eritrea draws attention to the adverse developmental and humanitarian consequences of unilateral coercive measures. Measures that impair the economic and social development of developing countries warrant particular scrutiny in the pursuit of equality.

Development, and human dignity.

They are a glaring example of the very intolerance and systematic inequality that the Durban Declaration seeks to eliminate. Mr. President, for Eritrea, the Durban commitment to confronting the legacies of colonialism has particular historical resonance. The Eritrean people endured successive forms of colonial domination and racial discrimination and were denied the full realization of their right to self-determination for decades. The eventual realization of independence reaffirmed that equality, dignity and self-determination are inseparable principles. I thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [1:17:46]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Eritrea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Barbados.


Barbados [1:17:58]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, Borbits aligns itself with the statements made on behalf of CARICOM and the Group of 77 and China, and welcomes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action on its 25th anniversary. The Durban Declaration remains the most comprehensive framework developed by the United Nations for confronting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. 25 years later, its purpose remains as relevant as ever. True, there has been progress. Countries have strengthened anti-discrimination laws and policies, developed national strategies, and reinforced institutions tasked with protecting equality and human rights. Yet, as the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has cautioned, that progress has been accompanied by stagnation and backsliding. Racism persists in unequal access to education, health care, and justice, in hate speech and racial profiling, and in discrimination against migrants, minorities, and people of African descent. The challenge is also evolving. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence can now reproduce and amplify existing racial biases unless appropriate safeguards are built into their design and use. This reminds us that combating racism and inequalities cannot be a one-time undertaking. It requires sustained action in our laws, in our institutions, in our societies, and in the technologies that increasingly shape our lives. For Barbados and the wider Caribbean, implementation of the Durban Agenda must also acknowledge the enduring consequences of slavery, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, indentureship, and colonialism. Reparatory justice forms part of that effort, true, but so too does the broader task of dismantling both the inequalities and discriminatory structures that those histories helped to create. We therefore welcome the second International Decade for People of African Descent and the continued work of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. These mechanisms provide important opportunities to advance the Durban objectives of recognition, justice and development, while ensuring that people of African descent play a meaningful role in shaping the policies that affect them. 25 years after the absence of commitment, it is ensuring their development. I thank you.


GA · President [1:21:05]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Barbados. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire.


Côte d’Ivoire [1:21:26]:

President, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Burkina Faso on behalf of the Group of African States. And we wish to add the following in our national capacity. President, 25 years following the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, We must agree that progress has been made in its implementation through the actions of international mechanisms, of independent experts, and the policies and measures put in place by states, together with the support of civil society for follow-up mechanisms. Nonetheless, it must also be recognized that humanity continues to face a rise of hate speech, racism, xenophobia, and of all forms of related intolerance. For my country, the fight against these scourges cannot be disassociated from the promotion of human dignity, equality and respect for human rights. And this is why we affirm our unwavering commitment to the major international legal instruments that reflect the collective commitment of the international community to combat the historical injustices and also contemporary forms of exclusion. President Cote d'Ivoire, faithful to its tradition of hospitality, tolerance, and respect for diversity, has made living together and national cohesion the priorities of its public action. Under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic, Our country has implemented a number of national policies in favor of reconciliation, social integration, education, and promotion of human rights. These notably include the establishment of the National Council for Human Rights and the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication with a view to contributing to raising awareness amongst the population assistance to victims and preventing racist discourse through the press or on social networks. President, my country believes that human dignity, equality and non-discrimination are fundamental principles of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, essential to the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances. In conclusion, Cote d'Ivoire calls for a strengthening of international cooperation and for increased funding for the Office of the High Commissioner. We reaffirm our commitment to building societies that are more inclusive.


GA · President [1:24:30]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.


Morocco [1:24:49]:

President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 25 years following the International Conference of Durban, our meeting today should be an opportunity to revive a collective commitment against racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, which, far from disappearing, are being reinvented in light of the challenges of our time. Morocco is committed to combating all forms of discrimination, has made this the cornerstone of our constitution. and we enshrine the unity of the nation based on the plurality of our Amazigh, Sahrawi, Hebraic, Mediterranean, other sources. This translates into our legal framework that it is impossible to create any kind of hierarchy here. Under the rule of Mohammed VI, we have been implementing a national strategy of immigration and asylum based on a humanitarian and solidarity approach. We're also committed to religious discourse. This is a rampart against hate and intolerance. But we cannot be successful in this without the full participation of all stakeholders. nor without international cooperation, notably South-South cooperation, we once again reiterate our commitment to work alongside the international community for the full and effective implementation of the commitments made 25 years ago for a more just and fair world free of discrimination. I thank you.


GA · President [1:26:32]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.


China [1:26:48]:

President, 25 years ago, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, DDPA, set the noble goal of eliminating racism in all its forms and manifestations, embedding racial justice and equality into the agenda of our times, and inspiring tireless international efforts. Over the past 25 years, the global anti-racism cause went through an extraordinary journey. However, some long-standing problems remain unresolved, such as colonialism, neo-Nazism, and racial discrimination in their contemporary forms, all of which pose real threats to the fundamental rights and world peace and development. Looking into the future, we must strictly uphold the spirit of DDPA, forge strong synergy, and join hands to build a world of equality for all. First, peace and tranquility must be maintained. Survival and safety of life are the foundation for enjoying human rights. We must abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, resolve international disputes and hotspot issues through peaceful means, and prevent and combat race or religion-based violence and hate crimes in conflicts. Second, common development should be the focus. Bridging the gap in development is crucial for eliminating the breeding ground of racism. It is imperative to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 agenda, reduce inequality in development within and between countries, ensure fair access by ethnic minorities to development opportunities and benefits, and promote social justice and inclusive growth. Third, dialogue among civilizations must be promoted. Diversity in civilization drives progress. We must promote the shared values of humanity, advocate exchanges, mutual learning, and harmony in diversity among different races and civilizations, and prevent emerging technologies from fueling radical ideologies, xenophobia, and hate speeches. Fourth, multilateral collaboration must be enhanced. Eliminating racism is a shared responsibility for all. We must strengthen global anti-racism governance, fully implement the relevant international conventions and the resolutions of GA and Human Rights Council, take concrete actions to correct the historical injustice towards Africa, and oppose double standard in combating racism. As an old saying goes, ever diligent and ever in pace with the times, China actively supports and participates in all international efforts against racism. We stand ready to work with all parties, reaffirm our commitment to DDPA, and advance toward a community with a shared future for mankind. Thank you.


GA · President [1:29:25]:

I thank the distinguished representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mozambique.


Mozambique [1:29:41]:

Mr. President, despite the progress made over the past quarter century, racism and racial discrimination persist in our society and institutions. Africans and people of African descent continue to face systemic inequalities, discrimination, and exclusion. emerging challenges, particularly those associated with digital technologies and artificial intelligence, risk reproducing and amplifying these racial biases at a scale. For Mozambique, the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action requires an honest acknowledgement of the history and its enduring consequences. An equitable future cannot be built on buried truths. Sadly, the trafficking of enslaved Africans, slavery and colonialism inflicted profound human suffering, and the repercussions of structural inequality continue to affect people of African descent across generations. Mr. President, the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration coincides with the early years of the second international decade for the people of African descent under the theme recognition, justice, and development. In my capacity as facilitator of the consultation on the possible update of the program of activities for the implementation of the international decade for the people of African descent, I had the privilege of listening to the views of member states and relevant stakeholders on how to strengthen the implementation of the second international decade. One message has emerged clearly from this dialogue. The Durban agenda and international decades are not parallel efforts, they are mutually reinforcing. Durban is not as historical text to be commemorated. It must become a living agenda. Its 25th anniversary should serve as a bridge between historical recognition and contemporary action, between the commitments made in 2001 and the challenges confronting our society today. Mr. President, as we look toward the next 25 years, our collective responsibility is clear, to transform recognition into justice, justice into development, and our commitments into tangible change in the lives of present and future generations. The second International Decade must not repeat the patterns of commemoration without implementation. It must deliver measurable progress on reparatory justice, on data-driven accountability, on equitable representation in the digital economy.


GA · President [1:32:44]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Mozambique. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.


Malaysia [1:32:59]:

Mr President, Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. Malaysia also wishes to express its appreciation to the Permanent Representatives of Brunei Darussalam and Zimbabwe for their able stewardship and tireless efforts in co-facilitating the negotiations on the Political Declaration. 25 years ago, the global community forged a historic blueprint to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. As we commemorate this milestone, we must confront a sobering reality: old structures of prejudice persist, while intolerance has evolved into modern manifestations, including digital hate speech, religious profiling, and Islamophobia. Mr President, Malaysia is deeply disturbed with what is happening in the occupied Palestinian territory. We cannot speak of human dignity and equality while turning a blind eye to the egregious violations of these very principles. Malaysia vehemently condemns Israel's continued aggression and genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. The deliberate targeting of civilians, health systems, and critical humanitarian infrastructure are horrific and abhorrent. Israel must be held accountable for grave violations of international law and crimes against humanity. We must demand an end to impunity, illegal Israeli settlements, and the illegal occupation of Palestine. Mr. President, As a multicultural nation, Malaysia attaches fundamental importance to social cohesion. Guided by Malaysia Madani and our national principles, our domestic policies nurture unity in diversity. We recognize that social harmony requires inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic development, supported by good governance and legal protection for all. Yet, challenges remain. Beyond economic gaps and digital hate speech, we must address deep-seated structural and systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality. For Malaysia, these challenges are calls to action. We seek to address the root causes of prejudice through structural economic equity and sound policies including the national unity policy and the 13 Malaysia plan we urge the international community to move beyond pronouncements and embed anti-racism principles into governance by fostering community-led integration ensuring fairness in digital spheres and dismantling systemic bias we can build a future where diversity is celebrated and equality is lived reality in conclusion Malaysia reaffirms its strong commitment to the full and effective implementation of the DDPA, we stand in firm solidarity with global efforts to address historical injustices and structural inequalities. Let us translate our commitments into tangible and inclusive policies. Thank you.


GA · President [1:35:54]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Malaysia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.


Iraq [1:36:06]:

President, we align ourselves with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. And we welcome the holding of this high-level meeting to mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. We reiterate our commitment to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all of their forms. 25 years following the adoption of the DDPA, it continues to be the international framework for overcoming these challenges. This is an opportunity for us to renew our commitment and to translate them into national, regional, and international measures that are effective. We underscore the importance of combating the manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, discrimination, hate speech, and intolerance based on religion or ethnic origin, including Islamophobia. The vulnerable and fragile situation of migrants or refugees and other displaced persons is Particularly significant, we have seen in my country a large-scale situation of displacement, and we are very cognizant of the need to protect refugees and displaced persons in light of the different forms of discrimination and xenophobia. These individuals must be treated in line with the international conventions. Furthermore, new technologies pose new challenges. AI and digital platforms can contribute to development, education, and to the inclusion of all persons. Nonetheless, the creation and the use of such technologies can actually lead to greater bias, discrimination, and inequality. And this is why we call for international cooperation so that we can strengthen human rights and ensure they are respected in the digital sphere. Furthermore, we are aware of the critical role that young people play in terms of participating on an equal footing with others in order to ensure more effective policies to manage the digital sphere and to combat racism and racial discrimination. The Republic of Iraq wishes to reiterate that diversity is a source of strength and unity rather than of division. This is why it is necessary to continue to ensure that dialogue exists between peoples and religions, and there is a need to ensure that the dignity of each individual is respected. And this is why we have instituted a number of measures to implement the Durban Declaration. I thank you.


GA · President [1:39:14]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Iraq. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola.


Angola [1:39:30]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President, distinguished delegates. Angola is honored to participate in this high-level meeting commemorating the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Angola aligns with the African Group and the G77 plus China. These milestones offer an opportunity to recognize the progress made and renew our commitment to eradicating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Adopted in 2001, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action remains a fundamental framework It is especially significant for its recognition and the enduring consequences of slavery, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism for Africa and people of African descent. 25 years on, renewed manifestations of racism and intolerance threaten the progress achieved. On 25th March, Africa and the world reached a historic milestone with the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 80/250. The resolution declares the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans to be the gravest crime against humanity and calls for institutional accountability and reparatory justice. Excellencies, for Angola, this cause is deeply rooted in our own history. The Angolan people's struggle against colonialism was also a struggle for freedom, self-determination, dignity, equality, and fundamental rights. Angola therefore reaffirms these principles of Durban and the need to address the historical legacies of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism. We support dialogue on the effective measures to redress historical injustice, promote reconciliation, and advance greater justice and equality. Imbalances also persist in international economic relations. Their historical roots continue to be reflected in global financial trade and governance structure. Angola welcomes the work of United Nations mechanisms combating racism and racial discrimination.


GA · President [1:42:31]:

I thank the distinguished President. I thank the distinguished representative of Angola. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cabo Verde.


Cabo Verde [1:42:49]:

President, Cabo Verde aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group and the G77 and China, and welcomes the convening of this high-level meeting. The DTPA remains the most comprehensive UN framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. This fight is increasingly challenged by the resurgence of hate speech, misinformation and disinformation online, amplified by artificial intelligence. an area that we are following closely, particularly regarding protecting the rights of children and young people in digital space. As an island nation, Cabo Verde knows the meaning of vulnerability. We also know that no challenge is too big when nations work together. The fight against racism demands precisely that: unity. Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. We reaffirm our commitment to the DDPA and underscore the importance of gender-responsive approach that reconciles the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination affecting, in particular, women, migrants, and victims of human trafficking. The struggle cannot be separated from the fight against poverty and inequality, nor from the achievement of sustainable development, and we welcome the leadership of young people in this fight. At national level, government, through its Cap Vert for All program, places education, dignity, and equal opportunity at the heart of this action. We welcome the political declaration and look forward to its formal adoption by the GA. It recognizes the enduring impact of slavery and colonialism, calls for reparatory justice, and commits to safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence that does not reinforce racial bias and discrimination. In this spirit, we recall the GA resolution that declares the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized to battle enslavement of Africans, the gravest crime against humanity. And we renew our call for the mobilization of political will at national, regional, and international levels for the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and its program of action. Thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [1:45:36]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Cabo Verde. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya.


Kenya [1:45:52]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Twenty-five years ago, Member States of the United Nations adopted the Dapag Declaration and Program of Action as a comprehensive framework for confronting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Today, We meet not only to commemorate this achievement, but also to assess the progress made and renew our resolve to translate this commitment into practical protection, effective remedies, and accountability. For it is but Kenya reaffirms its commitment to the TDDPA. Our efforts are grounded in our constitution. and it is guarantees of equality, human dignity, non-discrimination, and the protection of minorities and marginalized groups. We recognize that the measure of our commitment lies not only in the standards we proclaim, but also in the institutions we build, the remedies we provide, and the lived experience of affected persons and communities. This commitment is reflected in practical action. The National Cohesion and Integration Act remains central to Kenya's efforts to promote national cohesion and integration and to address ethnic and racial discrimination, hate speech, ethnic contempt and related conduct that threaten peace coexistence. Prevention is equally essential. Education remains central for preventing racism and building cohesive societies. The Minister of Education has integrated peace and cohesion content into the contemporary, into competence-based curriculum, and the Aman Clubs program provides runners with practical platforms for dialogue, peaceful conflict resolutions, debates, essays, trauma, poetry, community outreach, and responsible digital citizenship. As we mark this anniversary, Kenya calls for stronger international cooperation, including capacity building, improved data collection, inclusive education, and responsible digital governance, and effective access for justice for victims. Let us renew our corrective resolve to confront racism in all of its forms and uphold the dignity and equal worth of every human being. This is our shared responsibility and our moment to act. I thank you.


GA · President [1:48:18]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.


Nepal · Minister [1:48:36]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, 25 years ago in Durban, the international community united with a solemn resolve to confront racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and the enduring legacies of colonialism, apartheid, and systemic injustice. Today, that promise remains an urgent moral imperative. Prejudice and exclusion still constrain human potential while morphing into digital spaces and algorithmic bias. As Nelson Mandela reminded us, hatred is learned. This also implies our societies can intentionally cultivate dignity, empathy, and mutual respect. For Nepal, the Durban Principles resonate deeply with our national conscience and constitutional ethos. Guided by a decisive mandate for good governance and social equity, our government, led by Rashtriya Swatantra Party, is firmly committed to dismantling entrenched discrimination and advancing substantive social justice. We believe the pursuit of justice begins with institutional humility and moral accountability. A profound testament to this commitment was demonstrated on the floor of Nepal's sovereign parliament when RSP Chair Ravi Lamichhane delivered a historic, heartfelt apology to the Dalit community, acknowledging centuries of institutional humiliation, systemic neglect, and social injustice, and resolving to dismantle caste-based discrimination through legislative and structural transformation. Nepal's progressive constitution guarantees equality before the law, prohibits discrimination in all spheres, and mandates proportional inclusion for historically marginalized communities. These domestic guarantees reflect our global commitments as a state party to seven core international human rights treaties, including ICERD. To accelerate the Durban Programme of Action, we urge four priorities. First, legal and civic action, enforcing robust anti-discrimination laws while instilling human rights education across school. Second, empowering marginalized voices, ensuring historically oppressed communities meaningfully co-design public policy. Third, governing emerging technology, regulating artificial intelligence to eliminate racial algorithms and hate speech. And finally, principled multilateralism, deepening global cooperation to eradicate systemic intolerances worldwide. True human progress rests upon the inviolable dignity of every individual. Thank you, and


GA · President [1:51:45]:

I thank the distinguished Minister of Nepal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala.


Guatemala [1:52:00]:

Thank you very much, President. Guatemala recognizes the efforts of the President in organizing this meeting, and we reaffirm our commitment to the promotion of equality, human dignity, and the elimination of all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance that persist in our societies. 25 years since its adoption, the DDPA continue to be a fundamental benchmark in guiding our efforts. This commemoration represents an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to their effective implementation through dialogue, cooperation, and concrete actions that allow us to advance towards more inclusive and equitable societies. Guatemala reaffirms the importance of promoting recognition and justice and development of the Maya, Garifuna, Xinca and Afro-descendant peoples, as well as guaranteeing their full and meaningful participation in decisions concerning them. We will continue to strengthen spaces for intercultural dialogue and institutional actions aimed at combating racism and racial discrimination, and to broadening access to education, health, justice, and opportunities for development, with special attention to women and young people. We must continue to be attentive to new challenges. Digital technologies and AI offer significant opportunities for development. However, they can also reproduce or deepen patterns of racial discrimination. Their development and use should promote equality and be accompanied by safeguards based on human rights and non-discrimination. Furthermore, as my delegation has maintained in prior commemorations, we hold a firm position when we point out that Anti-Semitism, while it is not recognized in the text, constitutes one of the forms of intolerance with a growing trend, and we should remain vigilant so that we do not recommit the errors of the past. Guatemala reiterates its full readiness to continue contributing constructively to the full implementation of the D-DPA. This is the only way for us to build more just, inclusive, and peaceful societies. I thank you.


GA · President [1:54:26]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Guatemala, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Suriname.


Suriname [1:54:45]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, 25 years after the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, its message remains urgent and personal. My country has been shaped by slavery and colonialism. People were brought to our shores on the systems that denied their humanity, exploited their labour, and left consequences that did not disappear with the abolition of slavery or the achievement of independence.

Today,

Suriname is a sovereign and diverse nation built by the descendants of people who endured, resisted, and survived. That history gives us a responsibility to move forward. Our responsibility also extends to the future. Technological transformation must not create new forms of exclusion or discrimination. Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, must be developed and used responsibly with human rights and equality at their core. As our President recently stated before the General Assembly, the discussion is no longer about whether slavery and coercion caused lasting consequences. We know that they did. The question now is how do we overcome them? For Suriname, reparatory justice must therefore address the past while assisting societies to move forward. Reparatory justice should contribute to closing persistent gaps in education, health, economic opportunity, and development, while strengthening institutions and creating opportunities for generations that inherited consequences they have not created. This is why Suriname supports the CARICOM 10-point plan for reparatory justice as a practical framework for addressing the enduring consequences of slavery, the dispossession of indigenous people, and colonial exploitation. We also welcome the United Nations resolution adopted earlier this year on the trafficking and enslavement of Africans and its recognition as a grave crime against humanity.


GA · President [1:57:26]:

I thank you, sir. I thank the distinguished representative of Suriname. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua.


Nicaragua [1:57:47]:

Thank you, President. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. Nicaragua is joining this commemoration, reaffirming our commitment to racial justice, historic reparations, and equity for Afro-descendant people and indigenous peoples. Durban continues to be the most comprehensive framework for building inclusive societies where diversity is celebrated and all people can live in harmony with Mother Earth. President, Nicaragua lives out the Durban Declaration in its territories. Our national unity government since 2007 has given property rights covering 27,000 square kilometers of land to indigenous peoples covering about a quarter of our national territory. We have granted ancestral rights to the Miskito, Mayangna, Ulwa, Rama, Creole and Garifuna peoples, and they exercise full rights over their natural resources with free, prior and informed consent. Our model for autonomy is unique in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean and was established 38 years ago. This is a living experience in the self-government of Afro-descendant people with healthcare, education and intercultural social justice. Equity for us means healthcare, education, land and full participation for our peoples. We recognise their ancestral wisdom and their contribution to our national culture. And we call on the international community for reparations to be tangible for Afro-descendant populations, for healthcare and technologies to reach all communities, and for land rights of our peoples to be protected and strengthened. President 25 years ago in Durban, the world made a commitment to building a future of justice and equity. Today, we renew this commitment in the certainty that only together, with unity and solidarity, will we be able to achieve a world where diversity is our greatest wealth and where all people can live in harmony with our Mother Earth. I thank you.


GA · President [2:00:10]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Nicaragua. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Islamic Republic of Iran.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:00:26]:

The most compassionate, the most merciful, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates.

The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action remains the most comprehensive blueprint the United Nations has ever produced against racism.

It named victims. It named history and it named occupation. What it did not do and what this body still refuses to do is compel those who profit from racial hierarchy to submit to it.

The greatest obstacle to the full implementation of the Durban Declaration is not a shortage of workshops, action plans or awareness campaigns. It is the systematic protection of the last openly racial settler colonial project of our age, the Israeli regime.

Zionism is not a complex political dispute. It is a doctrine of supremacy that expropriates lands, grades human beings by origin, imprisons people behind walls, and then.

Lectures the world on civilization.

The Durban conference itself recognized the plight of the Palestinian people under foreign occupation and their right to self-determination. A quarter of the century A quarter of a century later, that occupation has not receded. It has metastasized into Gaza reduced to rubble, into the West Bank carved by settlements, into a regime that treats international law as optional and mass civilian death as policy. Durban also spoke of Africans and people of African descent, of the unfinished business of slavery and colonialism, of Islamophobia, of migrants treated as surplus humanity. Those injustices persist because the same powers that shield the Israeli regime also refuse reparative justice and criminalize solidarity. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and to every follow-up process that has not been emptied of meaning. Implementation without accountability is theatre, and accountability without ending occupation is a lie.

This anniversary will be judged by one question only: whether the United Nations.

Still has the spine to say that a regime built on dispossession, segregation and impunity is incompatible with the Charter.

That claims to defend.

Thank you.


GA · President [2:02:56]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka.


Sri Lanka [2:03:15]:

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, Sri Lanka aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and the Program of Action, which reaffirmed that all human beings are born free, equal in dignity and rights, and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. At our core, we share the same fundamental needs, aspirations, and emotions that enrich our common human experience, while our differences should never become a cause of discrimination or prejudice. It is the shared humanity that lies at the heart of the DDPA, which calls upon us to respect diversity, uphold the dignity and human rights of all. Today, our world is increasingly interconnected, while new technologies continue to reshape our lives. At a time when contemporary manifestations of racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance persist in many parts of the world, we must ensure that our laws and policies promote equality and non-discrimination. In this context, the DDPA remains a comprehensive global framework for combating all forms of discrimination and advancing collective action at the national and international levels. Sri Lanka's constitution explicitly prohibits discriminations on grounds of race, religion, language, caste, gender, political opinion, or place of birth. As a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural nation, Sri Lanka remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every community and to build a society founded on equality, non-discrimination and mutual respect for all. The DDPA provides a framework for translating our commitments into meaningful progress for the millions who continue to face exclusion, discrimination and prejudice. Sri Lanka wishes to emphasize that the DDPA should not be subject to selective or unintended interpretations that depart from its original purpose, context and intent. We remain committed to ensuring that the DDPA is implemented in a manner consistent with its agreed text and underlying principles, and not in ways that may serve purposes beyond those envisaged at the time of its adoption. We reaffirm our commitment to the principles enshrined in the DDPA and to strengthening our collective resolve to build societies where diversity is respected, equality is advanced, and every human being.


GA · President [2:06:18]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Arabia [2:06:33]:

In the name of Allah, the gracious, the merciful, ladies and gentlemen, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. is taking part in this meeting to commemorate the 25th anniversary on the adoption of the Durban Declaration and its Program of Action as an important milestone to renew our determination to combat racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, and to translate this commitment into tangible policies and practices that preserve human dignity and protect rights without discrimination. And we express our appreciation for the efforts of the United Arab and the Republic of Zimbabwe in facilitating consultations on the political declaration. We thank them for their endeavors to reach a text that reflects the international community's commitment to continuing the fight against racism and discrimination. The Kingdom affirms that the principles of equality, justice, and non-discrimination constitute fundamental pillars of its national system derived from Islamic law. The basic law of governance guarantees the protection of human rights and affirms equality before the law, while national laws and practices prohibit various forms of discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, and other fields. These principles have been clearly reflected in the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places people at the center of development. It promotes equal opportunities, empowerment, and community participation. It expands legislative and institutional reforms aimed at protecting rights and upholding justice. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also adopted regulatory measures to prohibit discrimination in employment and to ensure equal pay and equal opportunities in the labor market. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to promoting the values of tolerance, moderation, dialogue, and mutual respect, and to combating hate speech and intolerance, based on the conviction that addressing racism and discrimination is not limited to legislative frameworks alone, rather requires strengthening public awareness and fostering a social culture that respects human beings and their dignity. The Kingdom's commitment to these principles also extends to its humanitarian work outside its borders, where humanitarian and development assistance is provided to those in need without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, nationality, or any other consideration. This is in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, and the preservation of human dignity. In closing, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia renews its commitment to continuing its constructive contribution to international efforts to combat all forms of racism and discrimination in a manner that respects the sovereignty of states and their national, cultural, and legislative idiosyncrasies, and in a manner that contributes to safeguarding human dignity and promoting coexistence and mutual respect. I thank you.


GA · President [2:09:33]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain.


Bahrain [2:09:48]:

Sayid Rais.

Mr. President, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to express our appreciation for holding this important meeting to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action. This meeting is not simply a commemoration of a historic event. Rather, it renews our joint commitment to upholding human dignity and to protect humanity from all forms of discrimination and racism, despite what the world has achieved in combating racism and in the we in reality forces us to admit that these forms are still exist, but may have different shapes, especially in terms of those directed at those of African descent, Arabs and Muslims, and also migrants, as well as those seeking asylum. And there are some negative stereotypes, and certain religions and identities have been tied to terrorism and criminality, which is a way to hide behind the violations of international law. The Kingdom of Bahrain firmly believes that human diversity is a foundation for building. And therefore, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness, the Prime Minister, we have criminalized all forms of discrimination, and we have established a complete system and a national So the National Committee for Human Rights and the King Hamad Center for Coexistence and Tolerance. Our efforts extend beyond our borders. The General Assembly adopted by initiative of Bahrain, Resolution 79/269, which declares that a national day of peaceful coexistence. Moreover, the King Hamad Center for Tolerance, in cooperation with other international organizations, has established an education program on tolerance and peaceful coexistence in order to spread these ideals. These efforts also include the Bahrain Declaration on the Protection of the Freedom of Religion and Belief. And we have established a center for peaceful coexistence in Italy, and we have established an award in 2023 to encourage the harmony between different religions and civilizations. Bahrain is fully committed to cooperating with the United Nations and implementing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The current era requires us to take firm steps to combat all forms of discrimination, including modern forms. And we believe that the Durban Declaration combines all countries in this combined purpose. We have established humanitarian or alliances in a matter that would reject a singular one solution fits all. And we, in closing, commit to -- microphone has been cut off.


GA · President [2:12:51]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Bahrain. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guyana.


Guyana [2:13:06]:

President, distinguished delegates, Guyana aligns with the statements delivered on behalf of CARICOM and the G77 and China, and welcomes this high-level meeting to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

This meeting is an important opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to eliminate racism, racial.

Discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance everywhere and to assess our progress in this regard.

As we strive to achieve the SDGs, we are conscious that the overarching objectives of poverty eradication, protecting our planet.

And building a peaceful world cannot be achieved without addressing inequality in all its forms.

For Guyana, equality and non-discrimination are not only fundamentals of international.

Law, including international human rights law, but essential to human dignity, justice, and for political, social, and economic development.

As a land of diverse peoples, Guyana attaches particular value to promoting social cohesion and eliminating discrimination in all its forms. This approach is embedded in our constitution and in the One Guyana initiative of His Excellency, the President, premised on the equality of all our peoples, the promotion of equal opportunities and the fostering of unity in diversity. In tandem with our international legal obligations, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Guyana has enshrined in our constitution.

The creation of an Ethnic Relations Commission to treat with reported incidents of discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity.

Any individual in Guyana may have recourse to this commission for redress. Regionally, Guyana supports the CARICOM 10-point plan for reparatory justice adopted at the.

Conference of Heads of Government in July this year.

The plan outlines the path of reconciliation and justice for victims of crimes against humanity and their descendants, We call for a constructive dialogue on the way forward. We welcome also the recent adoption of the Ghana-led resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade and racialized chattel enslavement.

As the gravest crime against humanity.

I conclude, Mr. President, by expressing Guyana's support for the political declaration approved earlier today. It is our expectation that this outcome will further collective.

Understanding and action toward implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

I thank you.


GA · President [2:16:05]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Guyana. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Maldives.


Maldives [2:16:18]:

Mr. President. The adoption of the Durban Declaration and the Programme of Action represented a landmark achievement in our effort to advance equality, dignity and human rights for all. 25 years later, its principles remain as relevant and necessary as ever, yet progress has not been linear. For the Maldives, This anniversary is therefore an opportunity not only to reaffirm our commitment, but to strengthen its implementation. We see three priorities. First, we must measure implementation. Countries should translate the commitment of Durban into national action with clear priorities and measurable outcomes. Better data can help identify patterns of discrimination. The UN should continue to provide technical assistance and support to strengthen countries' capacity to implement commitments. Second, we must keep pace with technology. Racism, xenophobia and related intolerance can now be amplified rapidly through digital platforms and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Governments, The UN and technology companies should work together collaboratively to address these challenges. Third, we must move from reaction to prevention. Preventing discrimination requires stronger education and public awareness, training for public officials, and effective supporting of victims. These commitments mean little if applied selectively. The Mold is therefore believes that these priorities must be pursued consistently and without double standards. In this context, the situation in Palestine remains a matter of profound concern. The Moldists therefore strongly condemns Israel's continued oppression and decades-long illegal occupation of Palestine. We believe that addressing the enduring consequences of genocide, apartheid, and systematic discrimination is essential to confronting racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance. Let us carry forward the spirit of Durban with renewed determination, stronger cooperation and action that delivers equality, dignity and justice for all. I thank you.


GA · President [2:18:57]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Maldives. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon.


Lebanon [2:19:15]:

25 years ago, the international community gathered in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and renewed a shared promise that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance could and should be eradicated. There was something promising, particularly fitting about making the promise in South Africa, a country that has shown the world the extraordinary possibility of overcoming entrenched systemic racism. 25 years later, however, racism has quite obviously not disappeared. It has transformed. It has adapted. It has taken new shapes, found new language, and entered new spaces. And it's clear that both as individual nations and as a community of nations, we have not done enough. Because racism is not simply one problem among many. It is a problem that infiltrates others and makes them worse. It determines who is persecuted and who is protected, who has access to opportunity and who does not, whose suffering commands our attention and whose suffering we learn to tolerate. To eradicate racism, we must recognize it in all the forms it assumes. And recognition must begin with an honest look at our own societies. In Lebanon, the Parliament has launched the National Human Rights Plan and established an independent human rights commission, among other strides it has made over the years. Civil society is also at the forefront of confronting discrimination, as organizations across the country provide legal and humanitarian assistance and support the rights of refugees, displaced migrants, and other vulnerable communities. We, however, know that shortcomings remain, and acknowledging that is not an admission of defeat. It is the necessary starting point for progress in the next quarter century. And we must be just as willing to recognize discrimination beyond our own borders, especially when it is written into the law itself. United Nations experts warned that Israel's newly adopted death penalty regime effectively provides for capital punishment solely against Palestinians, describing it as discriminatory in its purpose and effect. When the ultimate punishment is administered solely on a discriminatory basis, we must stop and ask ourselves, what will it take for us to finally make good on the promise we made? 25 years after Durban, perhaps the most meaningful way to honor its legacy is not to congratulate ourselves on how far we have come, but to be clear-eyed about how far we still have to go. I thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [2:22:09]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Lebanon. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste.


Timor-Leste [2:22:16]:

Mr. President. classrooms, workplaces, public institutions, and digital spaces. For Timor-Leste, this responsibility carries profound meaning. Our people endured periods of hardship preceding the restoration of independence. Our journey towards reconciliation has taught us that lasting peace requires justice, inclusion, and respect. Our constitution guarantees equality before the law, prohibits discrimination, and forbids organizations of a racist and xenophobic nature. Together with our international human rights obligations, these commitments provide a foundation for action. However, Mr. President, racism persists when prejudice shapes decisions, institutions overlook exclusions, and victims cannot obtain redress. Digital technologies can deepen these harms by amplifying hatred and reproducing discriminatory bias. Against this backdrop, Timor-Leste highlights three priorities. First, make equality effective in practice. Accessible complaints procedures, legal assistance and cooperation among public institutions, human rights bodies and civil society can help people exercise their rights. Second, prevent discrimination before it takes root. Schools should help young people recognize prejudice and respect diversity. Training for public officials and dialogue with communities, including those directly affected, can strengthen equal treatment. Third, address emerging risks. Digital technologies can amplify hatred and reproduce discriminatory bias. We should confront these harms while safeguarding freedom of expression and access to remedies. Across all three priorities, implementation should be realistic and shaped by national circumstances. People affected by discrimination should help set priorities and assess progress. International partners can support these efforts through technical assistance and capacity building. Our measure of success must be tangible. A compliant result, a discriminatory barrier removed, a child learning without humiliation. Let us honour Durban by engaging communities, educators, young people and civil society in making equality an everyday experience for everyone.


GA · President [2:24:38]:

I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.


Ireland [2:24:53]:

President, Ireland aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and thanks the co-sponsors. work in preparing this meeting. 25 years on from adoption of the Durban Declaration, the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance remains a lived reality for far too many. The principles of equality and non-discrimination are among the core tenets of international law. All forms of racism are incompatible with the values enshrined in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is our shared responsibility to combat all forms of racism and counter any form of discrimination, intolerance, violence and persecution, including anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim hatred and hatred of Christians. We are deeply concerned by the rise of hatred online and offline based on the characteristics of an individual's race, religious belief or descent. We stress the importance of adopting an approach that takes account of intersecting and compounding forms of discrimination. Particular attention must be paid to the experiences of women and girls, migrants, indigenous people, persons with disabilities and LGBTQI+ persons. We further underscore the continued importance of cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in promoting the systematic integration and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action throughout the UN system. Ireland looks forward to membership of the Human Rights Council when elected and to continuing to work with the relevant special procedures and mechanisms and the High Commissioner in support of implementation of the DDPA. President, today we must also confront new and evolving challenges, including the rise of online hate and discrimination. Emerging technologies, including AI, must be developed and deployed with respect for all human rights. And against the backdrop of growing restrictions on civic space, Ireland welcomes the political declaration's emphasis on the critical importance of civil society in advancing implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and increasing public support. We welcome their participation today. Domestically, and in line with paragraph 16 of the declaration, Ireland continues to take concrete action to combat racism and promote transformative change, including through our national action plan against racism and our Ireland Against Racism Fund. And, President, to conclude, racism and discrimination deny dignity, limit opportunity, and undermine universal human rights. Ireland remains committed to working with all partners to build societies founded on equality, non-discrimination, respect, inclusion, and human dignity for all. Thank you.


GA · President [2:27:34]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan.


Pakistan [2:27:48]:

Thank you, Mr. President. In 2001, the world leaders adopted Durban Declaration and for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Adoption of this historic document was a reaffirmation of universal principles that all human beings are entitled to equal rights and privileges unfettered from the artificial divides of racial or ethnic superiority. The 21st anniversary of adoption of the DDPA comes at a crucial juncture when the rigid structures and stereotypes that foster racism still exist. Unequal power and economic relations, resistance to multiculturalism, rise of far-right movements, and foreign occupation accentuate discrimination against fellow humans. Islamophobia is one of the most insidious forms of contemporary racism which intersects with other forms of oppression. Such intersectionality may be seen in the case of Muslim women of color who simultaneously experience Islamophobia, racism, and sexism. Mr. President, as a country which remains firmly committed to the equality of all human beings, Pakistan identifies itself with the cause of justice, freedom, and egalitarianism. Rejection of racism and embrace of pluralism is woven into Pakistan's civilizational, constitutional, and social fabric. we have undertaken affirmative actions to implement recommendation of the Durban Declaration to ensure equality of opportunity and empowerment of all Pakistani citizens. To reaffirm its rejection of slavery and racism, Pakistan also supported resolution declaration of the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25th March, 2026. Let me reiterate that Pakistan will continue to make strides for translating the vision of Durban Declaration into a tangible reality for turning this mundane planet into an oasis of peace, liberty, and freedom. I thank you.


GA · President [2:29:56]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Senegal.


Senegal [2:30:11]:

President, allow me first of all to say how we align ourselves with the statement from the African Group and that of the G77 and China. 25 years after Durban, we are meeting not only to commemorate a historic commitment, but above all to reaffirm our collective responsibility to eradicate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action remains our common reference point. It reminds us that the fight against racism requires that we attack its root causes, structural discrimination and inequalities that continue to mark our societies. 25 years after its adoption, however, the situation is concerning. Racism and discrimination persist, taking old and new forms, racial profiling, hate speech, xenophobia, but also discrimination that we are seeing online and with some technologies. Our response, therefore, needs to be up to the job. We need to move from commitment to action. President, for Senegal, the implementation of the Durban Action Plan requires us look at our history in the face. This history took place somewhere in Goree. Goree bears the memory of the transatlantic slave trade and reminds us of an essential truth. But behind the tragedies of history, there are lives, families and communities whose dignity was trampled upon. This memory should not mean that we shut ourselves off in the past. We must, on the contrary, commit to the future. That's why Senegal attaches importance to restitution of cultural heritage and reparative justice measures, not as an end in itself, but also as a contribution to the recognition of historic injustices, a contribution to restoring dignity, and to building more equitable relations between peoples. Twenty-five years after Durban, the challenge remains as ever to make our commitments a reality. Let us defend the memory, defend equality, and preserve dignity. Thank you.


GA · President [2:32:20]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Senegal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative, Holy See.


Holy See [2:32:37]:

Mr. President, my delegation welcomes the convening of this high-level meeting to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance has regrettably not improved. Indeed, it has perhaps deteriorated. at a time when the movement of peoples has continued to increase and the intermingling of cultures and multi-ethnicity have become social facts. The God-given dignity of the human person is central to building a true international community where the universal common good can be achieved.

Despite aspirations

The unity of the human family has not yet become a reality due to materialistic and nationalistic ideologies, which contradict the values of the human person. In particular, any theory or form of racism and racial discrimination is morally unacceptable. Furthermore, in this era, social justice must also grapple with the environment shaped by digital technologies, with the new forms of exclusion, prejudice and discrimination. In the digital age, therefore, a just social order must subject the use of data and technology to public oversight, with the dignity of the human person and the common good as its guiding principles. Mr. President, the Durban Declaration rightly recognizes with deep concern intolerance against religious communities and the emergence of hostile acts and violence against them because of their religious beliefs. The delegation of the Holy See welcomes the fact that the present political declaration explicitly recognizes such instances, including acts of Christianophobia alongside Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. In the years ahead, global political support must be more than just a formula. It requires mobilization of political will and the active participation of civil society, including religious leaders. All these can play a unique role in fostering cooperation and contact between diverse racial groups. Thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [2:35:08]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Holy See. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of League of Arab States.


LAS [2:35:23]:

Thank you, President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the League of Arab States at this high-level meeting. 25 years after the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, there is still a significant gap between the commitments made and the reality experienced by victims from racism, types, stigmatization, hate speech and discrimination against migrants, against refugees, religious minorities and ethnic minorities, including the phenomenon of Islamophobia. One of the most flagrant manifestations of this gap is the situation faced by the Palestinian people who are seeing not only an occupation and settlement and forced displacement, but also racist political practices on the part of Israel. and of course speech that undermines the dignity of these people and denies their inalienable rights. But with an end to the occupation and the aforementioned practices and accountability in respect of international law, that is how we will guarantee justice and equality. We reaffirm that the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action requires us to show sincere political will. It also calls for comprehensive national legislation to fight discrimination. Also, we need independent institutions that are able to lead this accountability efforts. And so therefore it's necessary to invest in education, awareness raising and the fight against stereotypes. Implementation also requires tackling the lasting ramifications of slavery and enslavement and colonization that led to poverty and marginalization. Our approach should be underpinned by justice and respect for the dignity of victims. Young people, particularly those who belong to affected communities, are not only the beneficiaries of these policies, they are partners in the implementation of them and the assessment of them. The Arab Strategy for Youth, Peace and Security for the period 2023-2028 provides us with a regional framework to strengthen youth participation in decision making. particularly to integrate them and involve them in political and social decisions, including those that pertain to the digital sphere. The safe and significant and sustainable participation of these people in public life is also particularly important. Swift progress on artificial intelligence means that we have new responsibilities. Indeed, these technologies can spread knowledge and tolerance, but if there is no guarantees, they could also copy the same biases and discrimination which have an impact on human rights. By way of conclusion, we welcome the draft political declaration which was presented to us in order to preserve the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as a reference framework. Thank you.


GA · President [2:38:21]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the League of Arab States. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pan American Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for -- Pan African, please, I'm sorry. Pan African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa.


 [2:38:55]:

- and sanitation in Africa. I thank you for convening this meeting to mark the 25 years of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The Durban Declaration recognizes that the legacies of slavery, the slave trade, and colonialism continue to shape inequality today. Few places show this more clearly than access to safe water and sanitation. Today, 2.1 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, and 3.4 billion lack safely managed sanitation. People in the least developed countries are more than twice as likely to lack basic services. These gaps are not random. Too often, the communities without clean water and toilets are the very communities the Durban Declaration was written to protect. Africans and people of African descent, indigenous people, migrants and refugees, and minorities. Within them, women and girls carry the heaviest burden, spending hours collecting water instead of learning, working, or leading. Discrimination in water and sanitation often hides in the data we do not collect, the map we do not draw, and the budgets we do not allocate. That is why our mission champions science-based solution built on three commitments. First, measure what matters. Second, invest where the need is greatest. Third, put affected communities at the center. Science must be shaped together with the people it serves. Through our Water Her initiative, women, young people, and local communities help design, lead, and monitor water solutions. Mr. President, in 2010, this assembly recognized the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. 25 years after Durban, we must ensure that this right is never rationed by race, origin, or gender. Our mission affirms its commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. We stand ready to work with Member States, the United Nations system, and civil society to make water and sanitation a pathway to equality, dignity, and justice for all. I thank you.


GA · President [2:41:26]:

We have heard the last speaker in the general debate of the high-level meeting. I would like to express my appreciation to all participants for the invaluable insights and contributions to today's deliberations. The high-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is now concluded. The meeting is adjourned.