Welcome to the UNESCO Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination. We are so proud to have this space with so many individuals and institutions, where we have committed to building more inclusive and thriving societies.
We are particularly pleased about the large number of Ministers that are joining us today and for the fact that we will launch our network of policy officials in charge of this important agenda.
Our appreciation also goes to Minister Franco da Silva and the government of Brazil. Minister, there is no better place to get together, consideringPresident Lula’s leadership, which translates to the establishment of your own Ministry.
Thanks also to our partners, the Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundation, Mover Foundation, Ibirapitanga, and the City of Sao Paulo, and especially, Marlova Neto our Representative in Brazil and her team, my wonderful team, as well as the other sectors’ from UNESCO that are present here.
The Forum is well-timed. Unfortunately, no matter how our efforts are, we are still witnessing increased acts of racism and discrimination based on gender, religion, and origin. Especially towardso the usually skewed outcomes of afrodescendants, migrants and other groups.War, conflict and populism, also find their scapegoats in those that look different. This is depressing, but this also confirms why we are needed here! We count on you all to keep trying.
1 out of 5 people has faced discrimination worldwide and men’s violence against women and children continues to rise! Even in some countries, discrimination is still legal such as the case in in Afghanistan with girls’ education. We need to also note how the digital world can foster a space for more divisions when not ethically driven.
Discrimination is not innate, but once learned, it can take on a destructive power that is difficult to reverse. However, through the right action, it can be prevented and untaught.
That is our job over the coming days. We hope to exchange notes, define benchmarks, and learn from each other.
We are accelerating efforts to deliver evidence-based analysis to counter racism and discrimination.
Our new Anti-Racism Toolkit, we will be helping governments to assess their capabilities for prioritizing anti-racism in everything that they do.
Our Gender Based Resilience Framework, shows how much investing in women delivers better outcomes when our societies confront shocks.
Our ‘Weight of Words’ report, explores the impact of gendered language on access to employment opportunities.
The preparation of our new Global Outlook Against Racism and Discrimination, uses machine learning to document trends around the world.
The work on changing MENtalities, help achieve gender equality with our partners, such as the Lancet Commission.
Finally, we are also launching our new collaboration with Harvard University where we will develop an approach to shift mindsets to tackle the discrimination faced by migrants.
And this is only the beginning.
But we also want to boost our support for you! You are the real actors and champions, and we know how hard you can have it. Even in the government, you Ministers sometimes need to row against the tide.
What to say about NGOs and the very same groups that face this situation?
This Forum is for you!Use it and tell us how more we can do to help! The bar must be set very high as these injustices demand swift, effective, and comprehensive change for the better.
I am convinced that we can together shape the agenda needed to make progress, and to support those communities that continue to endure mistreatment. We need change, and we need it now!
I wish you all a productive and enjoyable Forum!
Gabriela Ilian Ramos 