The Government of Canada is committed to investing in initiatives that support inclusion and respect for diversity, and the fight against racism and discrimination in all their forms, both at home and around the world.
In support of these efforts, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, participated this week in the third UNESCO Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination in São Paulo, Brazil. The theme of this year's edition was "Race to the Top: Putting racial equity and justice at the forefront of development agendas."
During the ministerial panel entitled "Equal Before the Law: How Come Racism Still Exists?," Minister Khera highlighted emphasized the importance of collaborating with other countries to address the global challenge that racism and discrimination represent and Canada's commitment under Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy, the International Decade for People of African Descent, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to continue to address racial inequities. She spoke about Canada's whole-of-government approach and underscored the significance of directly engaging with impacted communities to ensure that investments align with their needs and priorities. Additionally, she emphasized the need to enhance data collection to ensure policies, programs, and services are based on the lived experiences of communities facing racism and discrimination.
Minister Khera further highlighted that earlier this year, Canada signed the Declaration on the North American Partnership for Equity and Racial Justice. This Partnership provides a framework for collaboration with the United States and Mexico to combat systemic racism and discrimination, fostering a North America where everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential and equal participation in social, cultural, economic, and political life.
During the closing of the Forum, UNESCO launched its Network of Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Officials, with the announcement that Canada is among its founding members. The Network will be an informal platform established to facilitate the exchange of experiences and expertise among officials committed to preventing discrimination and combating racism worldwide.
Minister Khera participated in bilateral discussions with her counterparts in Brazil and UNESCO, and a roundtable with non-governmental organizations.
