The event will analyse racial discrimination and how to address it through policies and programmes developed at local, national and international levels.

Organised by Barcelona City Council and UNESCO, in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Equality and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Catalonia’s Department of Equality and Feminism and Department of the European Union and Foreign Action, the 4th edition of the UNESCO Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination will be held at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB) on 10 and 11 December 2024.

With the goal of enhancing commitments, this edition seeks to build on the progress made in previous editions and launch a movement called the ‘Global Alliance Against Racism and Discrimination,’ which aims to promote a collaborative approach to implementing impactful and lasting initiatives on this issue.

According to the EU Eurobarometer, in 2023, more than 21% of people over 15 reported experiencing discrimination in the previous year, a figure that is rising despite low police reporting rates for such incidents. Systemic racism has penetrated all sectors of society, and although anti-racist laws, policies and institutions exist, their effectiveness is not guaranteed. Intolerance, exclusion and xenophobia are growing, particularly during elections, exacerbated by social media and hate speech. In Europe, populism is on the rise, with anti-immigration and socially regressive proposals, and elections worldwide have been contaminated by this hatred, demonstrating the growing rejection of diversity in society.

Although numerous leaders, academic institutions, civil society groups and NGOs have mobilised to achieve definitive policies and initiatives, much remains to be done. Hence the importance of UNESCO’s annual Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination. The Forum calls for a concerted effort to find solutions through a whole-of-society approach, where the voice of legislators is as valuable as that of community leaders in decision-making.

Sustainable development cannot be achieved unless the international community takes responsibility and addresses this scourge. Racial equity and justice must be central to development programmes at all levels of governance, and in this regard, governments must provide appropriate funding mechanisms.

Investment in policies and programmes to combat racism generates higher economic returns. Having quality data is vital to inform policy interventions, making visible the most vulnerable and racialised groups. To move forward, we must also recognise and be honest about the legacies of colonialism: the exploitation of slaves, the centuries of violence, and how these phenomena have fuelled repression and discrimination.

The Global Alliance Against Racism and Discrimination movement will formalise stakeholder commitments by establishing an extensive network connecting Member States with a diverse coalition of professionals, authorities, government institutions, researchers, artists and civil society leaders to promote sustained collaboration.

You can follow the Forum live here.