United Nations Headquarters, New York
Overview
The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is a global blueprint for racial justice and equality. Adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism in South Africa, it laid the foundation for much of today’s international work against racial discrimination. Marking the 25th anniversary, this meeting serves as an opportunity to accelerate collective efforts to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance under the theme: “Mobilizing global public support for the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action”.
The High-level Meeting is being held in accordance with Assembly resolution of 15 December 2025.
Background
The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is a victim-centred document that recognises the plight of victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including Africans and people of African descent, Asians and people of Asian descent, Indigenous Peoples, migrants, refugees, displaced persons, victims of human trafficking and persons belonging to various minorities. It reaffirms that States have the duty to protect and promote the human rights of all victims, calls for a gender-responsive approach and urges States to take prompt, decisive and appropriate action.
Twenty-five years after the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action, racism and racial discrimination remain deeply embedded across institutions and societies and are often exacerbated by emerging digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The 25th anniversary is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, renew political commitment to its implementation and mobilize broad public support for meaningful and sustained action.
Documents
Take part
Member States and observers
Inscription on the list of speakers for the general debate is through the . The list opened on 26 August and closes on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Organizations with special accreditation
Organizations accredited to the meeting register through the by Wednesday 16 September 2026, for up to three representatives each; a special event ticket is required. Enquiries: ngls@un.org.
Non-governmental organizations in consultative status
Registration for organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, for up to two representatives each, closed on 10 September 2026. Enquiries: ngobranch@un.org.
Watch
The opening meeting and the general debate are webcast on UN Web TV. The President’s statement and the outcome of the meeting will be posted on this page once issued.
High-Level Week
The 81st Session will be rich with milestone events that will test our collective resolve — from addressing the existential threats of sea-level rise, to pandemic preparedness, to commemorating the Right to Development at forty, nuclear disarmament, and the Durban legacy at twenty-five. Each is more than a date on a calendar. Each is an opportunity to demonstrate that multilateralism can deliver concrete results.
H.E. Dr. Khalilur Rahman
Vision statement
