The issues of systemic racism, xenophobia and discrimination have long plagued societies across the world. With that in mind, the vision to “leave no one behind was placed as the cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in particular the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 on the elimination of inequalities, and 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. 2020 has seen many setbacks in the attainment of these goals, with the dramatic socio-economic effects of COVID-19 hitting disproportionately marginalized communities, notably Afro-descendants, but also the rise of xenophobia-based violent attacks.
In this context, a special meeting of UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) took place on February 18, with UNESCO figuring prominently, to generate wider political support for UN projects and global action on these issues. The meeting was an effort to build on the wide recognition of the urgency to take action and identify priority issues and related interventions in the pursuit of the SDGs.
The tone for the meeting was set with a viewing of the UNESCO video ‘United against racism’ which promotes the strong message of speaking up and taking action.
The opening addresses were given by ECOSOC President, Munir Akram, who noted the interlinkages between systemic racism and discrimination, and the attainment of the SDGs; Foreign Minister for Pakistan, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who stated that equality needed to be included in the COVID-19 rebuild; and the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. He noted the significance of colonialism and slavery, and the need to assert common values. He also emphasised that the UN is committed to fighting racism and discrimination within its own walls.
We live in an era of post-enlightenment where there is a rise of populism and xenophobia…We need a new social contract.
The keynote addresses were delivered by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Pamaphosa, who noted the fight against racism is generational work and a lifetime commitment; the Vice President of Costa Rica, Epsy Campbell, who spoke on the importance of data and science in formulating targeted policies, as well as the active participation of afro-descendants; and the Commissioner for Equality for the European Commission, Helena Dali, who discussed various EU policies, and the need to tackle racism in its individual, as well as institutional and structural forms. A message was also delivered by Martin Luther King III, who described a need for a global ethos to end poverty, discrimination and violence.
A roundtable on ‘Leaving no one behind: Eliminating root causes of racism and discrimination in the SDG era,’ was moderated by Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, including Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General of Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO
At UNESCO, we are relying on education, science and culture to counter racism. Education helps to understand the truth about others, and culture helps emphasizing and underscoring our commonalities and bringing our souls together, eliminating fears. Science breaks the fake arguments that differentiate humans. The Global Call against Racism adopted recently by UNESCO Member States will give further impetus and support to our efforts. Addressing the inequalities of income, opportunities, outcomes, is key for a more cohesive, respectful and understanding world.
For Ms Ramos this battle needs to be online and offline to crack the algorithms translating the biases and stereotypes into the digital world. On this basis, UNESCO has started to develop the first standard-setting instrument on ethics of artificial intelligence.
Other participants were: António Vitorino, Director-General, International Organization for Migration; Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé, UN High-Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations; Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights; Professor Fernand de Varennes, Special Rapporteur on minority issues; and Melonie Parker, Chief Diversity Officer at Google. They emphasized inter alia the need for disaggregated quality data so as to identify problems and develop targeted solutions across the board with emphasis on those left behind. There was also a call to broaden public understanding of big data and push for diversifying technologists within big tech.