Africans and people of African descent have a legacy of colonization and slavery that continues to impact their ability to enjoy their rights, have equal access to socio-economic resources and opportunities, and attain the highest levels of development and well-being. The disparities faced by Global Africans (Africans and people of African descent) have been clearly highlighted in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), which serves as the United Nations’ declaration for fighting against racism and xenophobia globally. 

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Despite decades of scholarship, advocacy, and international declarations, Global Africans continue to face disproportionate challenges and discrimination in various sectors. While these challenges are well documented, far fewer platforms are dedicated to critically examining what has worked, why certain policies fail, and how effective initiatives can be scaled or adapted across countries and regions.

 

The Global Africa Rights and Justice Summit is designed to bridge this gap. It also aligns with the the objectives of the DDPA and the theme of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, “People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice and Development.”

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The challenges experienced by Africans and people of African descent require action-oriented and long-lasting policy solutions grounded in intersectionality. As such, the summit convenes scholars, policymakers, practitioners, civil society leaders, and advocates with policy interests and expertise in addressing issues affecting Global Africans to advance solutions grounded in research, practice, and lived experience. The theme for the inaugural Global Africa Rights and Justice Summit emphasizes the need to move beyond the acknowledgment of injustice and rights violations toward policy innovation, implementation, and accountability.