A Growing Challenge: The Rise of Racism and Discrimination
Racism and discrimination remain pressing global issues, as stark evidence shows their persistent and growing impact on societies worldwide. According to UNESCO’s newly launched , race accounts for 38% of reported discrimination cases globally, followed by sex and gender (33%) and ethnicity (20%). Alarmingly, 18% of cases involve physical attacks, underscoring the violence and harm many face daily.
In parallel, data highlights persistent systemic inequalities: women are still 1.5 times more likely than men to be employed in low-paying jobs in G20 countries, and in 2024, only four women were elected presidents in 27 national elections, while 16 countries fielded no female candidates at all. These figures demonstrate the urgent need for action to dismantle intersecting forms of bias and inequality.
A Unified Response: The Global Forum's Commitment to Action
Against this backdrop, UNESCO hosted the 4th Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination in Barcelona, uniting over 2,000 participants from 85 countries, 160 speakers, and 50,000 online attendees. This landmark event, organized in partnership with the City of Barcelona, the Spanish Ministry of Equality, and the Government of Catalonia, solidified its reputation as the leading platform to exchange expertise, foster inclusion, and inspire impactful policies. A highlight of the Forum was the launch of the Global Alliance against Racism and Discriminations.
The fight against racism and discrimination must be a collective effort, one that transcends borders and brings together all sectors of society. Here in Barcelona, we know that inclusion and solidarity are the only way forward. Our commitment is not just words, but actions—actions that demand a global response to a global crisis.
"The fight against racism and discrimination must be a collective effort, one that transcends borders and brings together all sectors of society. Here in Barcelona, we know that inclusion and solidarity are the only way forward. Our commitment is not just words, but actions—actions that demand a global response to a global crisis."
Insights and Solutions: Matching Challenges to Responses
The Forum’s panels and sessions tackled various forms of discrimination, connecting specific expressions of racism to actionable solutions. For example:
Institutional and Structural Racism: Ministerial panels addressed systemic barriers in housing, education, and employment, emphasizing the importance of intersectional policies.
Hate Speech and Online Harassment: Experts explored innovative uses of AI to monitor and counter harmful narratives.
Gender and Leadership Gaps: The second volume of the Gender-Based Resilience Framework was presented, advocating for stronger representation of women in leadership roles.
Sports and Racism: UNESCO and the Barça Foundation launched the Fit for Life Network Against Racism, uniting athletes and organizations to combat discrimination in sports.
Ethical AI and Migration: Breakout sessions examined the ethics of AI, migration challenges, and the role of civil society in fostering inclusion.
Let me say this clearly: this Forum has not just met expectations; it has soared far beyond them. Over the past days, it has become a dynamic space of profound dialogue, where the exchange of experiences, and the sharing of powerful stories and inspiring solutions generated something even greater — what philosopher Hartmut Rosa might call “social energy.” As he recently taught us at UNESCO’s World Philosophy Day Celebration, this energy arises when human connections resonate, creating a shared momentum to transform our challenges into opportunities for meaningful change. And this is what we have achieved here.
“Let me say this clearly: this Forum has not just met expectations; it has soared far beyond them. Over the past days, it has become a dynamic space of profound dialogue, where the exchange of experiences, and the sharing of powerful stories and inspiring solutions generated something even greater — what philosopher Hartmut Rosa might call “social energy.” As he recently taught us at UNESCO’s World Philosophy Day Celebration, this energy arises when human connections resonate, creating a shared momentum to transform our challenges into opportunities for meaningful change. And this is what we have achieved here .”
Let us depart from this Forum with a renewed sense of purpose — not merely as representatives of our nations or organizations but as individuals dedicated to effecting change. The future we aspire to is within reach — but only if we possess the boldness to construct it. May this Forum be remembered not for the promises articulated but for the transformations it inspired. Together, we can forge a world where equality transcends aspiration to become a lived reality — for everyone, everywhere.
