Unity and tangible action can eradicate racism

The United Nations is guided by a simple yet profound purpose: To help build a more peaceful, just and equal world where the dignity and rights of every person is upheld.

This is a moral imperative and a shared responsibility.

Member States have made a solemn pledge: To combat racism. To eradicate discrimination in all its forms. And to advance the dignity, human rights and equality of all those affected by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

This mission is even more urgent today than when the Durban Declaration and Program of Action was adopted 25 years ago.

As we see around the world, racism continues to poison societies, deepen inequalities and deny people their fundamental rights and freedoms. It is deeply rooted in the entrenched legacies of colonialism, enslavement and oppression. And it takes many forms — from economic, social and political inequalities, within and across continents...

To laws, policies and institutions that discriminate against people because of their race, religion, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin…

To the daily denial of dignity, rights, safety and equal opportunity faced by people of African descent, Indigenous Peoples, migrants, refugees and minorities…

To digital tools and technologies that are amplifying the spread of hate speech and disinformation, perpetuating lies and harmful stereotypes and fueling violence and abuse.

The antidote to these poisons is unity and tangible action. Governments must strengthen and effectively implement anti-discrimination and equality laws, and the institutions that enforce them. They must also spare no effort to dismantle systemic discrimination, and invest in inclusive and equal societies.

While governments must take the lead, everyone has a role to play.

Businesses must respect the right to equality and non-discrimination by preventing direct and indirect discrimination, and creating workplaces where all people can contribute their talents and ideas.

Technology companies must identify, mitigate and address bias in artificial intelligence systems, and ensure that digital technologies advance equality, inclusion and digital justice, rather than undermine them.

(United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the High-level Meeting to Commemorate the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Adoption of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action, in New York on 28 September 2026.)