On August 31st each year, the world unites to celebrate International Day for People of African Descent. This date not only pays tribute to the significant contributions of people of African descent but also aims to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

This day seeks to reinforce the message that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Any doctrine that defends racial superiority is scientifically false and, for these reasons, morally reprehensible and socially unjust. Humanity must move toward cooperation, not separation.

On December 17, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly approved the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, with the theme "People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice, and Development." The Second International Decade began on January 1, 2025, and will end on December 31, 2034.

Thus, the program of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent, adopted in its Resolution 69/16 of 2014 , was extended . This global observance is in line with international and regional agreements that aim to promote and protect the fundamental rights of all people of African descent.

In 2020, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing the International Day of People of African Descent. The annual celebration of this date, on August 31, is in line with the global and regional consensus on the need to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people of African descent.

This is in line with the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), the Decade Plan for People of African Descent (2016-2025) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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The term “Afro-descendant” was recognized by Member States and the United Nations as a legal and political concept adopted during the Regional Conference of the Americas held in Chile in 2000.

This recognition occurred in preparation for the Third World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held in Durban, South Africa, in 2001. This definition reinforces the importance of recognizing the heritage and perspectives of people of African descent.

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The International Day for People of African Descent, celebrated on the 31st of August, is a powerful reminder of the need to confront racism and promote equality worldwide. This date, celebrated for the first time in 2022, highlights the valuable contributions of the African diaspora and seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination against people of African descent.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations , António Guterres, highlighted that millions of people of African descent continue to face deeply rooted and systemic racism and discrimination, and the creation of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent is a significant step towards addressing these issues.

Reflecting on the past, acknowledging the present, and acting toward a future of equality and respect is essential. August 31st, International Day for People of African Descent, reminds us that the fight against racism is an ongoing process. We must remain vigilant in promoting equality and condemning all forms of racial discrimination.

Every action, every dialogue, and every effort to build a world free of racism is a step in the right direction. On August 31st, we celebrate not only the culture and contributions of people of African descent, but also reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where diversity is valued, where racism is eradicated, and where all people are treated with respect.

This August 31st is an occasion for renewed analysis and commitment. While we celebrate achievements and progress, we also recognize that much remains to be done. Persistent racism requires a collective and ongoing approach, both globally and locally. Only through persistent efforts can we create a world where equality and dignity are guaranteed for all.

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The First International Decade for People of African Descent ran from 2015 to 2024 and aims to celebrate the important contributions of people of African descent around the world, promote policies of social justice and inclusion, eradicate racism and intolerance, promote human rights and help create better and more prosperous communities.

In a transformative moment for global equality, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a new resolution in December 2024, launching the Second International Decade for People of African Descent. From January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2034, this decade adopts the theme "People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice, and Development."

The goal is to highlight the importance of recognizing the rights and contributions of people of African descent. Building on the progress of the previous decade, this initiative seeks to expand global efforts toward justice and development for people of African descent.

By fostering collaboration among governments, organizations, and communities, the Second International Decade aspires to create a more equitable future—a future in which the aspirations and rights of people of African descent are fully recognized, honored, and celebrated.

The second Decade for People of African Descent, which begins this year and ends in 2034, must be a time of action for justice, dignity, and equality. This is the declaration by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to mark the International Day for People of African Descent, celebrated on August 31, 2025.

The Message of the UN Secretary-General

On International Day for People of African Descent, we honor the extraordinary contributions of people of African descent in all spheres of human endeavor.

But we also recognize persistent injustices. The legacies of slavery and colonialism cast deep shadows—visible in systemic racism, unequal economies and societies, and digital exclusion. White supremacy and dehumanizing narratives are amplified by social media, and all too often, racial bias is encoded in algorithms.

Eighty years after the Charter of the United Nations reaffirmed the equal rights and inherent dignity of all human beings, and sixty years since the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, it is high time to right historical wrongs.

The Global Digital Compact takes a step forward, with commitments to combat discrimination and hate speech in digital technologies. And the second International Decade for People of African Descent must drive real change—including work toward a United Nations Declaration on Full Respect for the Human Rights of People of African Descent.

Let's make this a decade of action – for justice, dignity and equality for people of African descent around the world.

António Guterres

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In response to the challenges faced by people of African descent, organizations such as PAHO, OAS and RIAFRO are working together to address racial discrimination.

This is not just limited to analyzing metrics, but also incorporates a rights-based approach that recognizes the different perspectives of people of African descent. This collaboration is critical to promoting equality and inclusion.

Health inequality is another pressing issue for people of African descent. Many of them face exclusion, racism, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance, which can increase their exposure to disease risk factors and result in limited access to quality health services and worse health outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these disparities and highlighted the need for effective action to ensure health equity.

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This day also celebrates the richness and diversity of African culture and strengthens the fight against racism. More than 200 million people in the Americas identify as being of African descent. These communities, present not only in the Americas but throughout the world, make invaluable contributions to society.

Despite facing historical challenges, people of African descent are bearers of a very strong multicultural wealth, enriching all spheres of human life.

On this date, all people of African descent celebrate their rich cultures and the fundamental contributions of these communities. This day reinforces the commitment to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and to combat all forms of discrimination.

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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres encouraged states to take concrete measures to address racism and racial discrimination. This includes the full participation of people of African descent and their communities, as well as the dismantling of structural and institutional racism.

The International Day of People of African Descent highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions and struggles of these communities. In addition, it reinforces the commitment to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination and promote equality.

More than 200 million people in the Americas, and millions in other regions of the world, identify as Afro-descendants. Their contributions span many areas and are critical to global progress. Commitment to promoting justice, inclusion and human rights is essential to creating a more equitable world.

As we celebrate August 31st, it is crucial to reflect on our role in the fight against racism, recognizing the history, contributions and challenges of these communities, committing to create a more just and inclusive future for all, so that one day “Afro-descendant” is just a word.

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The history of the Underground Railroad is often misinterpreted as a physical railway system. In fact, it is a powerful symbol of African-American resistance during the era of slavery in the United States.

This intricate system of mutual aid and secret escape played a crucial role in the quest for freedom and equality and left a legacy of courage and heroism that endures to this day.

The Underground Railroad was a remarkable example of solidarity among individuals from diverse backgrounds. They all shared a common goal: to help slaves escape oppression and achieve freedom. This collaboration transcended social and racial barriers, demonstrating collective strength in the fight against injustice.

Harriet Tubman was a prominent figure in this movement. Her unwavering courage and dedication to freeing slaves made her an icon of heroism. Tubman risked her own life to lead fugitives to freedom. This highlights the profound impact of a determined individual in changing a nation.

The history of the “Underground Railroad” highlights the recognition of past injustices as the foundation for a more equitable world. Understanding the challenges and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom reminds us of the continuing importance of fighting racism and discrimination.

As we delve into the narrative of the “Underground Railroad”, we are confronted with an undeniable truth: education is a powerful tool for change. Learning about the tenacity of those who sought freedom inspires us to question harmful narratives and promote equality, contributing to a fairer society.

The story of the “Underground Railroad” is a timeless lesson in courage, solidarity and perseverance. Recognizing the lessons of that era motivates us to reject the racism and discrimination still present. The legacy of those who risked everything for the greater good echoes through the generations, reminding us of the power of facing adversity for an inclusive and equal world.

 Picture: © 2025 Francisco Lopes-Santos