The fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent observes the theme “Africa and people of African descent: United for reparatory justice in the age of artificial intelligence.”
During the session, UNFPA is hosting and participating in a series of events highlighting the importance of recognition, justice and development for people of African descent, particularly in the context of sexual and reproductive health and rights. UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem will speak at the opening of the session.
The Permanent Forum – established in 2021 by the General Assembly as a consultative and advisory body to the UN system and the Human Rights Council – serves as a vital platform for improving the safety, quality of life and livelihoods of people of African descent worldwide.
The Forum’s mandate includes providing expert advice on addressing racism, contributing to a draft UN declaration on the rights of people of African descent and monitoring progress made during the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024) and the Second International Decade (2025–2034), as well as coordinating UN efforts to advance justice and development for Afro-descendant communities.
This session builds on the outcomes of previous sessions and will provide a comprehensive progress report on the Programme of Activities for the International Decade for People of African Descent, identify challenges and formulate concrete steps for the Second International Decade.
Events UNFPA is participating in or hosting
Drum Dialogue: “Beats of solidarity – Drumming for peace and equity”
Date: 14 April
Time: 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. EST
Location: Visitors Plaza, UN Secretariat, New York
The Drum Dialogue, hosted by UNFPA and partners, honours the fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent as well as the 10th anniversary of the Ark of Return Permanent Memorial and the Second International Decade for People of African Descent. This special gathering features master drummers from Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal and Trinidad and Tobago, serving as a call to remember and lift the voices of people of African descent worldwide.
Human rights of women and girls of African descent
Date: 15 April
Time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST
Location: UN Secretariat, Conference Room 4
Diene Keita, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director (Programme), joins this panel discussion to address the compounded effects of racism and sexism that impede the full enjoyment of human rights for women of African descent, highlighting UNFPA programmes designed to address these challenges. You can watch online here.
Master class with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Date: 15 April
Time: 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. EST
Location: Visitors Plaza, UN Secretariat
The UN Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery, in collaboration with UNFPA, hosts a dance workshop with the legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, with the immersive event taking place in front of the Ark of Return, against the backdrop of a sculpture exhibition by artists from the African diaspora.
Beyond numbers: Leveraging data and evidence to advance equity for people of African descent
Date: 16 April
Time: 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. EST
Location: UN headquarters
UNFPA hosts this event to examine the important role of data and evidence in highlighting challenges and reaching the furthest behind, including people of African descent. The event will showcase current and past data and initiatives, illustrating their impact on fulfilling human rights and building equality while fighting systemic racism. You can watch online here.
