by Antonio Guterres
On the International Day for People of African Descent, we recognize the immense and diverse contributions of people of African descent to the vast range of human achievements, as well as their tireless efforts to create a better world.
The leadership, courage and activism of people of African descent have helped to remedy deep injustices, save lives, improve societies and draw global attention to critical issues. Yet the intolerable legacies of slavery and colonialism persist. Systemic racism is widespread and continues to mutate into new forms, including in the realm of new technologies, where algorithms can amplify discrimination.
We must harness the work of people of African descent and act worldwide to eradicate the scourges of racism and racial discrimination.
At the United Nations, this is a priority task, which is why we have established a new Anti-Racism Office, which will drive the implementation of our strategic plan to address racism in the workplace. We also need governments to take the lead and promote and implement policies and laws to address systemic racism and ensure inclusion. We need the private sector to step up, including by eradicating bias in technology and other aspects of working life. And we need to address the crimes of slavery through restorative justice.
I hope that States, building on the good results achieved in the last decade, will proclaim a second International Decade for People of African Descent, in order to help accelerate global efforts aimed at bringing about real change.
Together, let us do our part to defeat racism and discrimination and build a world of equality, opportunity and justice for all.
UN Secretary General