The United Nations commemorated the International Day for People of African Descent this Sunday, calling on the global community to promote justice, dignity, and equality for all. The day served as a platform for UN leaders to highlight the enduring impacts of slavery and colonialism which manifest as systemic racism, economic disparities, and unequal access to digital technologies.

Secretary-General António Guterres lauded the “extraordinary contributions” made by people of African descent throughout history. However, he pointed out that the legacies of historical injustices still cast "long shadows" over their descendants today, affecting their social, economic, and political environments.

In a striking observation, Guterres noted the resurgence of white supremacy and racial bias, particularly in digital forums. He criticized how these prejudiced narratives are perpetuated by social media networks and content algorithms. In response, he welcomed the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, set to be implemented in 2024. This initiative is part of the UN’s Pact for the Future, aiming to combat discrimination and curb hate speech across digital spaces.

2025 marks the beginning of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, themed "Recognition, Justice, and Development." This initiative follows the successful completion of the first decade during which over 30 countries amended laws and policies to better address racial discrimination. Significant strides included the establishment of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and the recognition of international days celebrating the contributions of the diaspora, particularly women and girls.

Looking forward, Guterres emphasized the need for the upcoming decade to catalyze "real change." He advocated for the drafting of a UN Declaration on the full respect of human rights for people of African descent. The Secretary-General called upon governments and the international community to embrace this new decade as a "decade of action," urging them to actively rectify historical injustices and protect rights globally.

As the world observed this significant day, the UN’s message was clear: the journey towards equality and justice for people of African descent is ongoing, and it requires unwavering commitment and concrete actions from all sectors of society.