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