The United Nations announced that a commemorative session will be held in New York on 20 September to mark the anniversary of the Durban Declaration, the landmark 2001 agreement that called for a global response to racism, xenophobia and related intolerance. The gathering is intended to assess the implementation of the declaration’s commitments and to chart a forward‑looking agenda for member states and civil society.
According to the UN’s press release, the programme will feature a series of panel discussions, a high‑level ministerial dialogue and the presentation of a new report on the state of racial discrimination worldwide. Topics slated for debate include the rise of hate speech online, the intersection of racism with migration and climate‑induced displacement, and the role of education in fostering inclusive societies. The agenda also calls for renewed attention to the protection of minority groups in conflict‑affected regions.
The event is expected to draw senior officials from the UN Secretariat, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as representatives from the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. Delegates from member states across all regions will be present, alongside leaders of non‑governmental organisations, academic experts and activists who have been involved in anti‑racism work since the original Durban conference.
UN Secretary‑General António Guterres is slated to open the proceedings with remarks on the continued relevance of the Durban framework. He is likely to underscore the need for concrete policy measures and stronger monitoring mechanisms to address systemic discrimination. The Secretary‑General’s address will be followed by statements from selected heads of state and ministers, reflecting a broad geographic representation.
Civil‑society groups have been invited to submit position papers ahead of the meeting, and a side event will provide a platform for youth activists to share experiences of racism in the digital age. The UN has indicated that outcomes from the commemoration will feed into the upcoming review of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 10 on reduced inequalities.
The UN’s commemoration of the Durban Declaration comes amid renewed global attention to racial justice, with several countries reporting spikes in hate crimes and discriminatory legislation. Observers note that the event offers an opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to the principles set out in Durban and to translate them into actionable policies.
The final communiqué, expected to be released after the session, will outline agreed‑upon recommendations for member states and UN bodies, aiming to strengthen coordination on anti‑racism initiatives and to monitor progress through a dedicated reporting mechanism.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/28/un-commemoration-of-durban-declaration-whats-on-agenda-who-will-attend?traffic_source=rss.