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Welcome to the draft programme of work for the fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

This page provides detailed information about the main sessions and side events, including times, locations, and speakers

For any questions or further information, please feel free to contact the Permanent Forum Secretariat at pfpad@un.org


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Sunday, April 13
 

10:30am EDT

Side event - From Manahatta to Mahattan Historic Decolonial NY City tour
Sunday April 13, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Title: “From Manahatta to Mahattan Historic Decolonial NY City tour”

Date, time and time zone of side event
Date: April 13th 2025, Time: 10.30 PM – 12.30 PM (New York Time)

Main Organizers
Women for Peace in the World - Collectif des Femmes Africaines du Hainaut and PAD Belgium Observatory

Co-Sponsored by
* EPAF-PAD Belgium
* Tiye International
*MRAX
*Femmes Plurielles

Language(s) in which the side event will be held
English and French. On the basis of the registrations

Description of the side event
The Context

Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking journey through New York City’s hidden histories. This decolonial tour, organized by Women for Peace in the World, PAD Belgium Observatory, the guidance of Weyu Shameka, will shed light on the erased stories of Indigenous and African-descendant communities in the making of this metropolis.
New York, originally known as Manahatta, was home to the Lenape people, an Algonquin-speaking civilization that faced violent displacement starting with European colonization. Through this tour, we reclaim narratives, challenge dominant histories, and walk the streets with a new awareness of the past’s enduring impact on our present.

Location of the side event

Point of meeting in front of the visitors American Museum of Natural Historyentry and exit through Central Park West (upstairs) at 79th Street

Name and email address of the lead organizer (and permission to publish the lead organizer’s contact details)
Ntambwe Modi - Tel +324650600272 - email address: mntambwe@gmail.com

limited nr place 25 person - Registration Mandatory link https://forms.gle/MzdiyQRqtRjCfzM67

Sunday April 13, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
American Museum of Natural History

11:00am EDT

Side event - The Intersection of Racism, Health, and Healing: A Trauma-Informed Perspective on Systems Transformation for People of African Descent
Sunday April 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:45pm EDT
PFPAD EVENT SUBMISSION:
The Intersection of Racism, Health, and Healing: A Trauma-Informed Perspective on Systems Transformation for People of African Descent ” (Spanish, English)
-Event organized by UbuntuEs — Co-organized by UbuntuEs, Kissing Lions Public Relations  and ONECA
 
EVENT TITLE: “The Intersection of Racism, Health, and Healing: A Trauma-Informed Perspective on Systems Transformation for People of African Descent” (Spanish, English)

DATE/TIME: April 13, 2025 11:00 am - 12:45 pm (ET)
 
Event organized by the ONG UbuntuEs
SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS: UbuntuEs, Kissing Lions Public Relations

LANGUAGE(S): English, Spanish

DESCRIPTION: This two-session discussion addresses the central themes of racial justice, human rights, trauma-informed leadership, and systems change specific to African, Afro-descendant, and Afro-Latin diaspora.
Session I—”Community Building Through Communications: Systems Transformation for Leaders of African Descent Through a Trauma Informed Lens” (45 mins)

Presented by Kissing Lions Public Relations

11:00 - 11:45 a.m. (US EST)

In this session, Kahshanna Evans, a member of the New York State Trauma Informed Network and Resource Center (NYS TINRC) Advisory Council member will introduce scalable approaches to trauma-informed transformation, leadership, and action by highlighting what we can learn about impact on a state level from the NYS TINRC—a grant-funded initiative funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OHM)—and will also introduce “Community Building Through Communications,” a unique framework and strategy to support corporate citizenship through a trauma-informed and resilience-building lens.

Subtitled in Spanish
 
Session II—“Science and Racism: The Impact of Health and Human Rights on Afro-Descendants” Roundtable

Presented by UbuntuEs(45 min)

12:00 - 12:45 p.m. (US EST)

Within the African diaspora, as well as among Afro-descendant and Afro-Latin communities, those who experience racism, xenophobia, and all related forms of intolerance face significant impacts on their physical, mental, and emotional health. These challenges manifest as stress, anxiety, trauma, illness, and barriers to accessing adequate care. In this context, healing and care spaces centered on the Black community have been—and continue to be—essential for collective resilience and resistance. They provide validation of shared experiences and offer tools for healing and strengthening the community.

This session aims to highlight systemic issues, raise awareness among the audience, and promote collective efforts to seek political, community-based, and legislative actions to address them.
Subtitled in English

Featured Panel:
Dr. Pastor Murillo: Lawyer and Doctor Honoris Causa, currently the Itinerant Ambassador of the Peoples at the Embassy of Colombia in Costa Rica and a member of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. With over 17 years of experience in international policy, he has led key initiatives such as the International Year and Decade for People of African Descent. He served as Vice-Chair of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and is a strong advocate for a treaty on the transatlantic slave trade and enslavement.
Topic: “Human Rights, Mental Health, and Racism: The Role of Public Policy in Reparation”
 
Mirtha Colón: Renowned Garifuna activist and social worker, currently pursuing a master’s degree at Fordham University. She defends the rights of Caribbean immigrants, promotes cultural preservation and sexual education. In 2012, the New York State Legislature recognized her service to the African diaspora. She is also the president of the Central American Black Organization (ONECA) and is actively involved in international forums on migration and social justice.
Topic: “Intersections between Racism, Health, Migration, and the Climate Crisis: Challenges for the Human Rights of Afrodescendant Women and Girls”

Dr. Gregorio Mijares:Professor of Mathematics at California State University, Los Angeles. Holds a PhD from the Central University of Venezuela with academic and research experience in Canada, the U.S., and Venezuela. Recognized by Mathematically Gifted and Black (2023) and the American Mathematical Society (2016), he has lectured at universities and research centers across the Americas and Europe.
Topic: “Artificial Intelligence, Digital Justice, and the Effects of Racism on Afrodescendant Mental Health”
 
Dr. Angelica Machado: Psychiatrist and psychotherapist specialized in the mental health of racialized individuals, speaker on community mental health, and consultant in clinical cultural competence.
Topic: “Effects of Racism on the Mental Health of Afrodescendants”
 
 Moderator: Christele Fanfanristele
Bachelor in Pedagogy from the Federal University of the Southern Frontier (Brazil), regional president of IPPDR in Brazil. She works in human rights and the empowerment of women and youth, supporting the Haitian community in Brazil and promoting education as a tool for liberation. She has presented at the UN and will deliver a keynote on world peace and women's empowerment in Mexico in July 2025.

 
 Registration Form Link:
 https://ubuntues.com/2025/03/25/elementor-2954/

 LOCATION: Virtual, canal de youtube: ubuntues5468

  UbuntuEs Email: ubuntuesime@gmail.com
  Website: https://ubuntues.com
 —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 LEAD ORGANIZER(S):
 Eidy Mosquera & Agatha Miranda Mba| ONG UbuntuEs | ubuntuesime@gmail.com | ubuntues.com
 Mirtha Cologne | ONG ONECA | mircolon@aol.com |
 Kahshanna Evans| pr@kissinglions.com| https://mailchi.mp/2de1a43de6ca/klpr-community-building-co

Sunday April 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:45pm EDT
Online

11:00am EDT

Side event - Empowering Heritage Custodians - Innovations in Knowledge Sharing and Cultural Preservation.
Sunday April 13, 2025 11:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Concept Note: Empowering Heritage Custodians - Innovations in Knowledge Sharing and Cultural Preservation. 

Background & Rationale 
As Africa and its global diaspora work towards reparative justice, it is essential to reclaim, preserve and share cultural heritage. This side event will explore how heritage custodians, academic institutions and technology innovators can work together to develop tools that support knowledge sharing and cultural continuity.

The event will serve as a learning platform that bridges academic discourse with practical approaches to cultural preservation. Through expert discussions and an interactive workshop, participants will explore how AI and digital tools can safeguard and transmit African knowledge systems.

Aims

1. Understanding Cultural Heritage & Reparative Justice - Exploring how knowing our history strengthens the case for reparations. 
2. Building mechanisms for knowledge sharing - Discussing tools that enable intergenerational knowledge transfer. 
3. Technology & Cultural Preservation - Exploring how AI and digital platforms can document and promote African heritage. 
4. Engaging the Next Generation - Equipping students with practical methods to contribute to heritage conservation.

Event Agenda
Date:13 April 2025 
Venue: Meyer Hall, Room 122, University of New York & Online 
Time: 11:00 - 14:00 (including workshop)

11:00 - 11:15 | Opening Remarks
- Welcome by the representative of the University of New York 
- Keynote Address by a Distinguished Royal Highness from Africa 
- Remarks by the Representative of the Mayor’s office

11:15 - 12:15 | Panel Discussion: Heritage & Reparative Justice
- How understanding our history strengthens the demand for reparative justice. 
- Insights from royal custodians, academics and technical experts. 
- Student Q&A session.

12:15 - 13:00 | Roundtable: Technology & Heritage Conservation
- How AI, digital archives and cultural data encoding can strengthen African heritage. 
- Case studies on encoding African symbols, languages and sounds. 
- Interactive discussion with students, technology innovators and heritage custodians.

13:00 - 14:00 | Interactive Workshop: AI as a tool for cultural continuity
- Hands-on session exploring AI-based documentation tools. 
- Students & participants engage in real-time cultural data mapping. 
- Practical takeaways for participants on using technology for cultural heritage preservation.

Expected outcomes
✅ Strengthened cultural identity - empowering heritage custodians & the next generation. 
✅ Long-term collaborations - Building links between scholars, traditional leaders and technology innovators. 
✅ AI & Digital Integration - Exploring real-world applications for cultural preservation. 
✅ Student Engagement - Equipping young people with practical skills in cultural heritage documentation.

Sunday April 13, 2025 11:00am - 2:00pm EDT
University of New York, Meyer Hall, Room 122

12:30pm EDT

Side event - Seminar on Haiti: Time for Action is Now
Sunday April 13, 2025 12:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Seminar on Haiti: Time for Action is Now!

Date/Time: Sunday, April 13th, 2025 @ 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm EST (US & Canada).

Sponsoring Agencies: Haitian Afro-Descendant Collective (KAAD), the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti (IJDH), the Global Justice Clinic of NYU School of Law, the
Hemispheric Network for Haitian Migrants; Rights and the International Civil
Society Working Group (ICSWG)

Language: English

France’s costly ransom on Haiti left the newly independent nation economically crippled. Over time, foreign powers and corporations exploited Haiti’s resources, leading to crises and instability. Join the Haitian Afro-Descendant Collective (KAAD), IJDH, NYU’s Global Justice Clinic, and other allies in discussions on Haitian migration and the urgent need for reparative justice. Panel 1, "No Haven is Safe," addresses closed-door policies facing Haitian migrants. Panel 2, "Time for Justice and Reparative Transformation," explores measures for a democratic and prosperous Haiti. This event empowers Haitians and international allies to seek meaningful change.

Location: New York University Law School
Lester Pollack Colloquium room on the 9th floor of Furman Hall.

Contact: Monique Clesca, Email: info@kaadayiti.org

Admission is by Registration only. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haiti-
time-for-action-is-now-tickets-1306013795419?utm-campaign=social&utm-
content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-
source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Sunday April 13, 2025 12:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
New York University Law School

5:00pm EDT

Side event - International Civil Society Working Group (ICSWG) Annual PFPAD Reception
Sunday April 13, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Title: International Civil Society Working Group (ICSWG) Annual PFPAD Reception

Date/Time: Sunday, April 13th, 2025 @ 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm EST (US & Canada).

Sponsor: ICSWG

Language: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese

Description: Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Pre-Conference Annual Reception! Experience vibrant cultural activities, a heartfelt libation ceremony, and an inspiring youth performance. Enjoy a brief presentation highlighting our mission and vision, all while savoring delicious finger foods. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, celebrate, and engage!

We look forward to sharing this memorable evening with you!

Location: Location: New York University Law School
Lester Pollack Colloquium room on the 9th floor of Furman Hall.

Contact: Marie E. Lemy, PhD, MPH, email: Dr.mlemy@gmail.com

Admission is by Registration only. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Hm11gkPrQ-2qD34qolNchw
Sunday April 13, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
New York University Law School

7:00pm EDT

Side event - Youth Sunday Launch Dinner: Networking and Preparation for the Forum
Sunday April 13, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
SIDE EVENT AT THE 4th PERMANENT FORUM ON PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT
“Youth Sunday Launch Dinner: Networking and Preparation for the Forum”

Sunday, April 13, 2025

7:00 pm EasternTime (EST)

The side event will be held in English but open to all languages

IN-PERSON LOCATION: Amaze Restaurant 694 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017 The ICSWG Youth Sub-Committee welcomes youth to join us for dinner prior to the launch of the PFPAD forum. It is a chance to connect with fellow leaders of African descent and stay updated on youth forum engagement. This side event is tailored for individuals aged 35 and under. This event is not sponsored. Attendees will be responsible for their own food and beverages.

This is limited seating, RSVP at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuTYJYxhq8NON9ziY0zl-FWz3s-h2F6zymFNAAg3Rz3iKtnw/viewform?usp=header

Contact:
Qadira Muhammad, Qadira@iyli.org
Elisa Wallker, Elisa@firstrepair.org
Sunday April 13, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Amaze Restaurant 694 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017
 

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  • Company
  • Africa Center
  • Aging People in Prison Human Rights Campaign
  • All Africa Conference of Churches
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  • Ação Educativa
  • Black Exhale
  • Black Women Shaping AfroFutures
  • Brazil Foundation
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Combnee Institute
  • Diversity Institute
  • Drexel University Kline School of Law
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church (USA)
  • FES (Fredrich-Ebert-Foundation)
  • Free The Hair
  • Freedom Imaginaries
  • Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES)
  • Fórum de Consciência Negra da IBAB (Brazil)
  • Grow With Intent
  • Instituto Luiz Gama
  • International Civil Society Working Group (ICSWG)
  • International Civil Society Working Group PFPAD
  • Just Afro Inc
  • Kissing Lions Public Relations
  • Let’s be Whole Inc
  • Malcolm X Center for Self Determination
  • Mane Moves Media
  • Mimosa Midwives
  • Ministry of Justice and Public Security of Brazil
  • MIR (Ministry of racial equality/Brazil)
  • Mothers and Midwives Across the Diaspora
  • Movimento Negro Evangélico do Brasil
  • MRE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Brazil)
  • Musings Lab
  • Observatório da Branquitude
  • OHCHR
  • Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
  • Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations
  • RED MALUNGA
  • SETA Project (ActionAid Brazil)
  • SOLITUDE
  • the Center for Black European Studies and the Atlantic
  • The Diversity Institute
  • The Global Circle for Reparations and Healing (GCRH)
  • Ubuntu Es
  • UN Department of Global Communication
  • Uneafro/Brazil
  • UNFPA
  • United Church of Christ
  • University of Dayton Human Rights Center
  • University of the Bahamas
  • Vital Signs
  • Women’s All Points Bulletin WAPB
  • Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
  • World Council of Churches