Fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Title of the side event
Exploring the Models of Reparation and Restitution Drawing on Faith Resources

Date, time and time zone of side event
Tuesday, April 15^th , 8:15am – 9:45am EDT
(in person in New York City )

Sponsoring organization(s) or entity/ies 
World Council of Churches & United Church of Christ
(both are ECOSOC accredited entities)

Language(s) in which the side event will be held 
English

Description of the side event (no more than 100 words)
From ancient times, injustices have been committed against individuals and
communities by individuals and communities, religious sacred scriptures, like the Bible, are aware of these injustices. Aware of the possibility of these repeating themselves, resources were proposed. This side event seeks to explore what models can be gleaned from religious resources to guide contemporary discussions on the nature of reparations and restitution for historic injustices committed against Africans and People of African descent. The event seeks to come up with principles and models that could work in contemporary contexts

Location of the side event (or website for registration, for events held online)
Church Center at the United Nations (CCUN) at 777 United Nations Plaza

Name and email address of the lead organizers with permission to publish the lead organizer’s contact details
Dr. Masiiwa Ragies Gunda, Programme Executive for Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, and Related Discrimination, (masiiwa.gunda@wcc-coe.org)
Ms. Donna Bollinger, Main Rep to the UN for the United Church of Christ (bollingerd@ucc.org)

Date & Time:
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST

Location:
Reyna’s Restaurant NYC
11 East 13th Street
New York, NY 10003
(Breakfast will be served)

Languages:
English with French interpretation available

Partner Organizations:

• BLCKS Social Enterprise
• Boss Women Entrepreneurship Program
• Reyna Hospitality Group NYC
• La Passerelle-I.D.É
• Urban Rez Solutions

Event Description:
This in-person side event will convene a diverse panel of leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and North America to explore entrepreneurship as a catalyst for women’s economic advancement, justice, and systemic change. The conversation will examine how investing in Black women entrepreneurs can unlock new economic pathways, shift generational outcomes, and drive structural equity. The session aligns with the goals of the Decade for People of African Descent and the African Union’s Decade on Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion. It will also explore how AI and digital infrastructure must evolve to support — not sideline — Black communities in a rapidly changing global economy.

Lead Organizer Contact:
Stephen Olagoke
stephen@blcks.org
(Permission granted to publish)

Registration Link:
www.blcks.org/unny

Name of Event: “The Missing SDG – A Call to Restorative Racial Justice”

Date & Time of Event: April 15, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am ET

Sponsoring Body: Baptist World Alliance

Language for Event: English

Description of Event
The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) is a Christian World Communion in 134 countries and territories that draws on over 400 years of shared history and today represents 176,000 churches and 53 million baptized believers. Since 1934 when Martin Luther King, Sr. first attended a Baptist World Alliance Congress, the BWA has actively engaged in a wide range of racial justice initiatives. Most recently, the BWA adopted a major new statement, “Restorative Racial Justice: A Call to Live in Flourishing Freedom (baptistworld.org/racial-justice).”

In keeping with its racial justice thrust, the BWA has planned a side event to support the advocacy for an 18th SDG focusing on racial justice. It is undeniable that racism is evident in many societies through prejudice, xenophobic behavior, structures, and systems. Where there are inequities, inequalities, and disparities based on race, deliberate and intentional efforts must be made to address the evil of racism. Therefore, the time is now for the addition of an 18th SDG focusing on racial justice. There will be three presentations at the side event, namely:

1.“The UN General Framework for Agenda 2030 – SDGs” by Gaynel Curry - Assistant Professor of Law at the University of The Bahamas, Ms. Curry is an Independent Expert Member of the United Nations (UN) Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and works to advance the human rights, lives and livelihoods of communities of African descent worldwide, especially women and girls of African descent.

2.“Presenting the Case for the 18th SDG – Racial Justice” by Dr. Ahmed Reid - An accomplished historian and race relations expert, Dr. Reid served on the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, including time as Chair of this important UN mechanism. He was also the senior race expert at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), bringing his specialized knowledge to one of the world's leading financial institutions.

3.“Why Does Restorative Racial Justice Matter to the Global Church?” by Jennifer Lau - Jennifer Lau is the Executive Director of Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM) from 2020, a global mission agency that represents the mission concerns of over 930 Canadian Baptist churches across the country. She is the first woman and layperson to hold the position in its 150-year history.

The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion with all three presenters.

Location of Side Event: United Nations Church Center, 2nd Floor
777 United Nations Plaza,
NY 10017
USA.

Name Lead Organizer: Elijah Brown
Email Address: elijah@baptistworld.org

International Conference entitled " Decolonization: Silent Revolution"
April 15, 2025
Concept Note
Location: United Nations Headquarters, Conference Room №5

Address: 405 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017

Organized by: Baku Initiative Group

Background and Rationale: The persistence of colonial rule in various territories around the world remains a pressing issue in the 21st century. Despite the global push for decolonization and sovereignty, numerous territories continue to experience the socio-political and economic consequences imposed by colonial governance. This international conference organized by Baku İnitiative Group will aim to explore these challenges, with a special focus on the lived experiences of indigenous peoples, their struggles for recognition, and the geopolitical dynamics of decolonization.

Objectives:
To analyze historical and contemporary colonial policies and their impacts on indigenous peoples.
To discuss the role of public memory, erasure, and resistance in shaping post-colonial identities.
To examine the geopolitical dimensions of decolonization in territories still under colonial rule.
To engage independent movements' leaders, experts, lawyers and academicians in developing frameworks for sustainable decolonization efforts.

Key Themes:

1. Public Memory, Erasure, and Resistance in Indigenous Peoples of African Descent
2. Geopolitical Dynamics of Decolonization in Colonial Territories
3. Legal and Political Status of Colonized Territories
4. Economic Dependence and Development Constraints
5. Decolonization Efforts and International Advocacy

Speakers and Participants: The conference will feature experts, policymakers, and activists from various territories, including representatives from Guadeloupe, Martinique, New Caledonia, Sint Maarten, Réunion, Bonaire, Aruba, French Polynesia, French Guiana and others. Key participants include leaders of indigenous movements, human rights advocates, and scholars engaged in decolonization efforts.

Expected Outcomes:
Increased awareness of contemporary colonial challenges and their effects on indigenous peoples.
Policy recommendations for addressing colonial legacies through international cooperation.
Strengthened networks between advocates, policymakers, and scholars working on decolonization.
 
Contact Information: For further details, please contact us at leyla.naghiyeva@bakuinitiative.com, info@bakuinitiative.com or visit our website: https://bakuinitiative.com/

                                                                         
 
FAITH PERSPECTIVES ON REPARATORY JUSTICE AND RACIAL HEALING 
A SIDE EVENT TO THE UN PERMANENT FORUM ON PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT


Description of Event
In 2023, the Accra Reparations Conference, a collaborative effort between the Republic of Ghana and the African Union Commission (AUC), convened Heads of State and Governments from Africa and the Caribbean, the UN to discuss a global reparatory justice agenda for all peoples of African descent. Building on the African Union (AU) 36^th Ordinary Session, the Accra Proclamation on Reparations called for the creation of an African Committee of Experts on Reparations with the mandate to determine a Common African Position on Reparations and Healing, which would inform an African-Caribbean Programme of Action and AU-Diaspora-Wide Programme of Action.

It is with this understanding that the AACC and AU CIDO are convening key stakeholders from FBO’s, civil society, and policymakers to engage the United Nations on the side lines of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and contribute to the formation of a united framework for advancing reparative justice, globally.

Language: English

Date: 15th April 2025

Time: 10:00 -11:30 EDT(GMT-4)

VENUE: Africa Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations In New York, 3 Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, 305 East 47th Street, 5th Floor, New York, Ny 10017, Usa

ORGANIZERS: AU CIDO, All Africa Conference Of Churches

Organizer’s Contact: Justice Oman
justiceoman@aacc-ceta.org

Hazel Maureen Danetta Dixon
DixonH@africa-union.org

Launching G-SAP: The Global Network for the Study of Africans and People of African Descent
Side-event at the 4^th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African descent
This side-event at the UN Headquarters in NYC will officially launch the Global Network for the Study of Africans and People of African Descent (G-SAP). G-SAP is a global research network organized around the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent.

G-SAP will bring together scholars, educators, academic institutions, schools and universities,
Member States, UN agencies, funds and programmes, civil society organizations and activists across the world to:

• Facilitate knowledge exchange, produce knowledge and provide research-based policy advice on the human rights and socio-economic development of Africans and people of African descent.
• Promote public awareness on the human rights and socio-economic development of Africans and people of African descent.
• Promote and strengthen Africana Studies, Black Studies, African Studies, African Diaspora Studies and any other studies on Africans and people of African descent at universities and schools across the world.
• Promote socially and politically engaged research and education on Africans and people of African descent that are relevant to the liberation, human rights and socio-economic development of Africans and people of African descent.

Participants at the 4^th Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent are warmly welcome to join the historic launch and timely mission of G-SAP.

Date: Tuesday 15 April 2025

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m

Room: CRE, United Nations Headquarters in New York

Organizers:
Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, Mame-Fatou Niang (Director of the Center for Black European Studies and the Atlantic, Carnegie Mellon University), Mactar Ndoye (retired Human Rights Officer at the OHCHR).

Participants:

• Michael McEachrane, Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
• Barbara Reynolds, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
• Professor Denise Ferreira da Silva, New York University
• Professor Kia Caldwell, Washington University in St Louis, President of the Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora (ASWAD)
• Professor Keisha N. Blain, Brown University
• Professor Tao Leigh Goffe, Hunter College of the City University of New York

Moderator:
Professor Mame-Fatou Niang, Center for Black European Studies and the Atlantic, Carnegie Mellon University

Language: English

Title of the side event:  HEALTH and WELLBEING STRATEGY SESSION                                                                                                                                                              
Building the Movement for Reparatory Justice in Health Across Global Africa

Date, time and time zone of side event:                                                                                                                       Tuesday, April 15, 2025, | 1:00 pm -3:00 pm (ET- New York)

Sponsoring organization(s) or entity/ies:
International Civil Society Working Group (ICSWG) 

Language(s) in which the side event will be held
English

Description of the side event (no more than 100 words):                                                                                             This session addresses the global impact of anti-Blackness on the health and well-being of people of African descent, sharing healing strategies and actionable solutions. It highlights growing pathways to wellness, aiming to connect knowledge, resources, and actions to build a thriving global African community. The focus is on overcoming the enduring effects of a traumatic past. Actionable steps: Expand access to culturally relevant healing initiatives, promote global resource-sharing networks, and advocate for structural changes to dismantle anti-Blackness, fostering a united, resilient, and healed community.         
                                                                               
Location of the side event (or website for registration, for events held online). For
online events, kindly ensure to send the connection link to facilitate participants’
access. HYBRID – In-person Location: Church Of the Covenant, 310 East 42nd Street, New York, New York and Virtually on Zoom, Zoom Registration Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/K7Dsl4yeStWZnacgv_4TgA

Name and email address of the lead organizer (and permission to publish the lead
organizer’s contact details)
Submitted by: ICSWG Programs Co-lead Prophet N. Anyanwu Cox, R.N (MO)., M.Ed.,
Email: anyanwu1950@gmail.com | Permission to publish given

PANELIST: Enola G. Aird, Esq., President Emerita, and Elder Griot of Community Healing Network, Dr. Sharon Bethea - President of the Association of Black Psychology, LilyX - The National Youth Co-Chair of N’COBRA., Moderator: Dr. Niamo A-Raheem – Founder of The HealMobile: Journey to Your True Self,

(Optional) Weblink for any further information: https://iwgpfpad.mn.co/spaces/9306480/feed

Title: Apology and Repair; how descendants of the enslaved and descendants of the enslavers are taking steps towards reparatory justice.

Description: To discuss how the legacies of slavery can be meaningfully addressed in the present; bringing together descendants of enslavers in the Caribbean and South America and those actively involved in the reparatory justice movement, to acknowledge positive steps that have been taken while having an exchange on the path forward for reparatory justice.

More information to be added soon.

Side Event at the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
Event Title: Launch of the Research Project entitled ‘Looking Back and Reaching Forward: Commemorating the International Decade for People of African Descent and the Human Rights of Women and Girls’

Date and Time: Tuesday, 15 April 2025, 13:15 to 14:30 p.m

Sponsoring Organizations: University of Dayton Human Rights Center, University of the Bahamas & the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Language(s): English

Location: UN Headquarters, conference room CRE
 
Event Description 
“When gender, skin colour, ethnicity, class, religion and beliefs, migratory status or other grounds of discrimination combine and interact they create intricate webs of deprivation and denial of rights that oppress, cause suffering to and hinder the development of millions of people. Many women and girls of African descent have to deal with this harmful situation…”
Michelle Bachelet, Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Background 
In December 2013, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent, with the theme “People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice, and Development.” The University of Dayton Human Rights Center is collaborating with Gaynel Curry, expert member of the United Nations’ Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (The Permanent Forum), to examine how the United Nations human rights treaty bodies, through their concluding observations, have addressed the specific concerns, needs, and experiences of women and girls of African descent. The preliminary research findings demonstrate interesting patterns and trends that merit further investigation. Thus far, the research team has assessed the concluding observations of four treaty bodies over the last ten years, including the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), the Human Rights Committee (HRC) and the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW). In total, almost 600 concluding observations have been reviewed concerning States from all regional groupings.
To provide an in-depth analysis of key issues, selected case studies were conducted, examining state party reports and treaty body dialogues related to the human rights of people of African descent, with a specific focus on women and girls.

Objectives
The primary purpose of this launch is to share the research recommendations. These recommendations are designed to complement ongoing global, regional, and national efforts for the second Decade for People of African Descent. Furthermore, they aim to build upon the existing body of work from human rights mechanisms addressing the intersections of gender and race while specifically reinforcing the calls of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action for increased public action and policies to support women of African descent, who experience heightened marginalization due to racism. 

Format and participation
The launch event will convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including PPFAD members, government officials, and NGO representatives. The program will begin with presentations by the researchers, followed by reflections from selected speakers. An open forum will then allow for audience comments and questions, with panelists responding and offering concluding remarks as time permits. The Chair will then provide a summary and formally close the meeting.

Outcome
The outcome of the discussion will be in the form of a summary recommendation to be presented during the plenary of the session of the Permanent Forum focused on women and girls of African descent.

Proposed program
OPENING REMARKS
June Soomer, former Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (Saint Lucia)

MODERATION AND CLOSING
Satang Nabaneh, Director of Programs, University of Dayton Human Rights Center (The Gambia)

RESEARCH PRESENTATION
Gaynel Curry, Member of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (The Bahamas)
Te'Neill Francis (The Bahamas)
Olamide Ajala (Nigeria)
Gabrielle Newry (The Bahamas)

DISCUSSANTS
Ahmed Reid, Former Chair of the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent (Jamaica) (TBC)
Gay McDougall, Vice Chair, United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
Tamara Thermitus, Lawyer Emeritus and Distinguished Boulton Senior Fellow at McGill University's Faculty of Law (Canada)
Ana Barreto, Vice President for Latin America, Planned Parenthood Global (Brazil)
Tiffany W. Roberts, Public Policy Director Southern Center for Human Rights (USA)

Q&A 

Concept Note
Side Event at the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Title: "From the Cradle to the Grave: The Lifelong Criminalization of Survivors"

Date: April 15, 2025

Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST

Location: Online Virtual Event
Registration link: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZdGGhJPqSK2mH8aI96AMsg

Language: English (possible French and Spanish translation)

Sponsoring entities: University of Miami School of Law, Human Rights Clinic.

Description
Survivors of violence across the African Diaspora—particularly Black women and women of African descent—are often punished rather than protected when seeking safety, defending themselves, or coerced into illegal acts.
A powerful primer to the “Thematic Discussion: Human Rights of Women and Girls of African Descent,” this event will gather global experts, legal practitioners, activists, and policymakers to examine the structural forces behind survivor criminalization. Drawing from the ​report on the criminalization of gender-based violence survivors in the United States, submitted to the Human Rights Council in April 2025, in advance of the 4th Universal Periodic Review of the United States, the discussion will expose systemic barriers to justice and the lasting impact on marginalized communities.


Lead Organizer: Shantanice Vaxter, Clinic Intern, University of Miami, Human Rights Clinic, s.vaxter-clinic@law.miami.edu

The event will take place in the context of the fourth session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (UNPF) on April 14-17, 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States.

Relevant to UNPF agenda, panel 1: Reparatory Justice for Africa and people of African descent

Date/time: Tuesday, April 15 at 1.30-2.30pm EST 

Language: English; with one speaker speaking in both English and Spanish
 
Sponsoring organizations/entities
Black Academy, Decolonize Berlin, Justin Hansford, member of Permanent Forum on People of African Descent; executive director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Centre, Human Rights Watch, International Coalition of People of African Descent (ICPAD), International Women* Space, Nama Traditional Leaders Association, Reform Initiatives, The Advocacy Team, The Armah Institute of Emotional Justice

Description of the event: Global reparations movements aim to address the lasting harm of legacies of colonialism, enslavement and the transatlantic slave trade.
Calls for reparations seek redress for historical wrongs and contemporary structural racism, inequalities and rights abuses linked to those crimes against humanity. To articulate a shared global agenda for a political, collective and decolonial approach to reparations, these movements need to come together. The Reparations Hub, a platform led by grassroots and African descent organisations with HRW’s support, is a tool designed to unite social movements. The organisers will discuss the power of the collective cross-regional struggle to achieve a united reparations movement.

Location:
The side event will be hybrid. Interested participants need to register to the event under the following link and will receive additional information upon registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bq7tlIxYSaW4T_S9X6UFQA

Contact lead organizer (and permission to publish the lead organizer’s contact details):
Justin Hansford justin.hansford@law.howard.edu
Esther Mamadou esther@africandescent.org 

Date: Tuesday, 15 April 2025

Time: 15:00 - 16:15 (EST)

Venue: Room CRE, United Nations Headquarters
777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017

Organised by:
Ingwee -African Stories Initiative

Background and rationale:
This high-level meeting takes place in the context of the second decade of global recognition and action for people of African descent, building on the foundation laid during the first UN Decade (2015-2024).
As our communities of African descent continue to assert their histories, contributions and rights, it is essential to strengthen heritage education as a transformative force. Reclaiming African narratives contributes to the dismantling of systemic injustices and fosters identity, pride and resilience.

This session brings together heritage knowledge holders, youth leaders, educators, policy makers and cultural practitioners to engage in intergenerational and cross-sectoral dialogue. It will focus on how cultural identity and heritage education can support sustainable governance and inclusive development.

Objectives:
- To increase the visibility and value of African and African-descended knowledge systems.
- To position heritage education as a tool for justice, belonging and transformation.
- To strengthen intergenerational dialogue on identity, culture and governance.
- To contribute to the ongoing global agenda for recognition, justice and development for people of African descent.

Agenda
Time: 15:00 - 16:15 (EST)

Moderator:
Time | Activity | Speakers / Notes
15:00 - 15:05 Opening & Welcome- Representative from Ingwee -African Tales
15:05 - 15:15:Key Reflection: Why Reclaiming African Narratives Matters Today Youth or Cultural Education Advocate
5:15 - 15:30 Segment 1 - Cultural Identity & Intergenerational Exchange- Oral Historian ,Cultural Practitioner.
15:30 - 15:45 Segment 2 - Heritage Education & Governance- Heritage Custodian, Educator , Political Voice
15:45 - 16:05 Interactive Reflection : Open floor for participant dialogue
16:05 - 16:15 Summary & Closing Remarks - Moderator + Community Call to Action

AfroFutures Now Digital Archive Workshop

April 15^th 4:30pm EST - Peoples Forum, 320 West 37th Street. New York, 10018

Languages: English with Portuguese and Spanish translation

Organizers: Black Women Shaping AfroFutures and Musings Lab

Contacts: Julia Mota juliamota@fundoagbara.org.br | Leonora Souza Paula leonorapl@gmail.com | Barbara Paes barbara@musingslab.com

Sponsors: Fundo Agbara, CEERT, Kilomba, Center for Gender in Global Context
 
AfroFutures Now Digital Archive Workshop
As we envision the future, it’s crucial to record our strategies for reparatory justice, human rights for Black women ang girls, and transformative policymaking. Black women across the globe have been working towards more equitable futures, making the documentation of their efforts essential for understanding the present and shaping the future.
The Black Women Shaping AfroFutures and Musings Lab will host a workshop highlighting the importance of archiving our work now—serving as a roadmap for knowledge-sharing, resisting erasure, and redefining what constitutes an archive. Participants will explore what to document and how, along with practical steps to build their own archive.

Title: "Education, Artificial Intelligence and Exclusion: Breaking Barriers for an Inclusive Future"

Date: Tuesday, April 15, from 4:45 P.M to 6:00 P.M, New York City - EST (Eastern Standard Time - USA)

Organizers/Sponsors: Instituto Luiz Gama

Language: Brazilian Portuguese, English

Description: This event addresses the challenges of overcoming social exclusion and structural and systemic racism by considering the role of educational methods and institutions, as well as the resulting impacts of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Experts, educators, and leaders from the public and private sectors will explore topics such as inclusive curricula, equitable learning environments, racial justice policies, and innovative topics such as financial education, digital inclusion, and artificial intelligence, drawing on real experiences to showcase success stories and challenges in building a more just and inclusive society.

Keynote Speakers: Renato Aparecido Gomes – President, Luiz Gama Institute; PhD Alessandra Devulsky – Member of the Advisory Committee of the United Nations Human Rights Council; Sérgio Rodrigues Leonardo - Order of Attorneys in Brazil (OAB) - Brazil Bar Association

Weblink for online access to the event in English: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87647425656?pwd=qjT0iHaDv3LyBHIfgfiowgNk3Ix8ej.1

Name and email of organizer: Camilo Onoda Caldas – camilo.caldas@institutoluizgama.org.br

 

Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | Time: 5-6 PM | Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time

Language(s): English

Location of the side event: 
The Africa Center
Performance Auditorium
1280 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/where-do-we-go-from-here-black-womens-leadership-in-a-time-of-crisis-tickets-1311245192669?aff=oddtdtcreator

Name and email address of the lead organizer (and permission to publish the lead
organizer’s contact details): 
Reisa Tomlinson
Principal, Blentrify Renegade Fundraising Solutions
reisa@blentrify.com  | www.blentrify.com 
LinkedIn Profile

Lavastian Glenn
Independent Consultant
lavastiang@gmail.com
LinkedIn Profile
BWLW organizers consent to having our contact details published.

Sponsoring organization(s) or entity/ies: 
The Africa Center 
Jean-Bart Social Impact Consulting, LLC
Blentrify, LLC 
International Society for Advancing Freedom & Equal Rights (ISAFER)
Lavastian Glenn
Tamara Thermitus, Ad. E.
Dr. Yanique Redwood (Founder, BWLW)
Black Women for Liberated Workplaces

Description of the side event (no more than 100 words):  We aim to convene Black women who have been leading social justice efforts—addressing racial, gender, and intersecting identities—in health, education, environmental, and economic sectors, both within formal structures and externally, to assess the current sociopolitical and socioeconomic context. Through storytelling, we will begin to map patterns that broadly help inform individual and collective strategies for addressing reparative justice and human rights for people of African descent with a focus on the experiences of women leaders. The expected outcomes are to create a space for sharing experiences and advance collective advocacy efforts aimed at greater inclusion and systemic change. (99 words)

Guest Speakers 
Facilitator: Lavastian Glenn
A nuance seeker, problem solver, and advocate for transformational change, Lavastian Glenn (she/her) has dedicated over 20 years to supporting people and organizations in pursuit of a more just, inclusive, and caring society. Much of Lavastian’s energy has focused on building aligned and impactful teams internally in senior leadership roles and co-designing capacity-building grantmaking programs that advance racial, economic, and environmental justice across the United States. Over her career in philanthropy, she has directed over $45 million of direct investments to nonprofit organizations leading systemic and cultural change at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
Lavastian holds a sincere belief that together we can accomplish anything. Therefore you will often find her working behind the scenes to bring people together to envision a world we all deserve and creating spaces to birth strategies intended for our collective liberation.

Reisa Tomlinson
With over fifteen years of experience across diverse corporate and non-profit sectors, Reisa Tomlinson is a purpose-driven, community-centric fundraiser who excels in ethical storytelling, transforming data into impactful narratives, and devising solutions to complex challenges through relationship-centered strategies. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to fostering meaningful relationships, mobilizing over $100 million in resources, and supporting initiatives that meet individuals where they are while empowering them to achieve their aspirations.

Through nonprofit development and philanthropy, she has engaged in varied environments in leadership roles, directly assisting marginalized communities and intersecting identities by backing initiatives that promote a more equitable and just society. Outside the professional realm, Reisa cherishes time with loved ones, engages in volunteerism, and finds grounding through travel, remaining intentional about her impact on the world. She views herself as a cultural connector, believing in mutual growth and evolution.

Her purpose lies in disrupting chaos, aligning with the belief that "in the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity." Recognizing our global interconnectedness, she advocates for utilizing our collective social value to drive meaningful change, emphasizing that while much may seem beyond our control, we have numerous opportunities to shape our lives for the better.

LaTosha Brown
Co-founder of Black Voters Matters and the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium
At the intersection of social justice, political empowerment, human development and the cultural arts one will find LaTosha Brown. As a catalyst for change, thought leader and social strategist, her national and global efforts have been known to organize, inspire and catapult people into action—not just lip service—enabling them to build power and wealth for themselves and their community. Honored to receive the 2010 White House Champion of Change Award, the 2006 Spirit of Democracy Award and the Louis Burnham Award for Human Rights, it is more than evident that LaTosha is passionate about leading social change for the purpose of advancing humanity, creating a more equitable redistribution of wealth and power around the globe.

As the co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund and the BVM Capacity Building Institute, LaTosha is adamant about ensuring that all human beings have access to quality education, safety, security, peace, love and happiness. Striving daily to hear the voices of women in leadership amplified and supported, she is also working to eliminate human suffering through her vision of the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium. Recognizing that her work is not rooted in strengthening political systems, governments or institutions—but in the advancement of people—LaTosha serves as an authoritative figure in the lives of thousands, if not millions. More than ever, she’s crystal clear that she is called to remind people of the power they hold within, pushing them through the birthing process of vision to manifestation.

Susan Taylor Batten
Susan Taylor Batten is President and Chief Executive Officer of ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities. ABFE (established in 1971 as the As

Título do evento paralelo:
A Experiência do Protocolo e do Índice ESG de Equidade Racial nas Empresas Brasileiras

Data, hora e fuso horário:
15/03/2025 – 17h

Organização(ões) ou entidade(s) patrocinadora(s):
Associação Pacto de Promoção da Equidade Racial - Pacto
Grupo de Institutos Fundações e Empresas - GIFE

Idioma(s):
Português e Inglês (tradução simultânea disponível)

Descrição do evento paralelo:
Este evento abordará a experiência do Protocolo ESG Racial e do Índice ESG de Equidade Racial, ferramentas inovadoras para o mercado global, para impulsionar a diversidade no mercado corporativo. Especialistas e líderes compartilharão como essas iniciativas promovem inclusão e impacto social positivo, influenciando investimentos e políticas empresariais.
 
Local/Site para inscrição:
Brazil Foudation
216 East 45th Street, Suit 1106
New York – NY 10017
 
Nome e e-mail do organizador principal:
Guibson Trindade
pacto@pactopelaequidaderacial.org.br
 
Materiais visuais e link para mais informações:
www.pactopelaequidaderacial.org.br

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Title of the Side Event:
The Experience of the ESG Racial Protocol and ESG Racial Equity Index in Brazilian Companies

Date, Time, and Time Zone:
March 15, 2025 – 5:00 PM (local time)

Organizing or Sponsoring Entities:
Pacto de Promoção da Equidade Racial – Pacto
Grupo de Institutos Fundações e Empresas – GIFE

Language(s):
Portuguese and English (simultaneous translation available)

Side Event Description:
This event will explore the experience of the ESG Racial Protocol and the ESG Racial Equity Index, innovative tools for the global market designed to drive diversity in the corporate sector. Experts and leaders will share how these initiatives promote inclusion and generate positive social impact, influencing corporate investments and policies.

Venue/Registration Site:
Brazil Foundation
216 East 45th Street, Suite 1106
New York, NY 10017

Primary Organizer’s Name and Email:
Guibson Trindade
pacto@pactopelaequidaderacial.org.br

Visual Materials and More Information:
www.pactopelaequidaderacial.org.br

 
Título del evento paralelo: “JUSTICIA REPARADORA VERSUS APARTHEID  TECNOLOGICO”

Fecha y: 15 de abril

Fecha/Hora: 15 de April, 2025 05:00PM - 7:00PM (NY); 3:00PM - 5:00PM (Honduras/Guatemala); 4:00PM - 6:00PM (Argentina/Brasil)

Organización:
MOVIMIENTO FEDERALISTA PAN AFRICANO AMÉRICA LATINA, CENTROAMÉRICA Y EL CARIBE HISPANO (MFPA-AL-CA-CH)

Descripción del evento:
Al abordar  la justicia reparadora en esta Cuarta sesión, no solo reconoce injusticias del pasado para corregirlas y promover la equidad, también busca garantizar la dignidad y los derechos de las personas de ascendencia africana. En el caso particular de las mujeres, crucial para sanar gradualmente el patriarcado y el sexismo, erradicar el machismo y la discriminación. En el ámbito de la inteligencia artificial configura múltiples oportunidades de desarrollo para abordar las implicaciones éticas y sociales de esta tecnología, principalmente para adoptar medidas para corregir algoritmos sesgados y mitigar impactos negativos en tiempo real.

Ubicación del evento: PLATAFORMA ZOOM*

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86919550348?pwd=EcCEPbvMWj4nI0jJ8H6l9a8pdUabIF.1
Meeting ID: 869 1955 0348
Passcode: 537970
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdSm08Gw2e

Title: Education and Human Rights: Anti-racist dialogues

Date: April 15th
Time: 5:30 pm to 7pm (ET)

Location: Church Center for the United Nations
777 United Nations Plaza, 8^th floor
New York, New York 10017

Organizations: 
SETA Project (ActionAid Brazil)
FES (Fredrich-Ebert-Foundation)
Ação Educativa
Commbne Institute

Language: Portuguese with English translation

Side event description:
The panel aims to discuss the multiple possibilities of education as a fundamental tool for anti-racism and, therefore, for a fairer and humanized society. From different perspectives on the theme, the panel aims to contribute to the debate on the intersection between anti-racist education and human rights, with a focus on the education of black girls and boys, the development of public policies, anti-racist training and anti-racist communication.

SPEAKERS: 
Ana Paula Brandão (Actionaid/SETA Project)
Ednéia Gonçalves (Ação Educativa)
Jaqueline Lima Santos (FES)
Midiã Noelle (Combnee)
Zama Mthunzi (Actionaid – South Afrika/SETA Project)

Link to register: 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRQmnQGMlDtVcCsglfQpKZc6fAImTq1dUl64_oJ6BHciGmLQ/viewform?usp=sharing

Title:   Protecting Environmental Rights Defenders in Racial Sacrifice Zones in the Caribbean: Towards a Rights-based Framework for Reparatory Environmental Democracy (RRED Framework)

Date: April 15, 2025

Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm Eastern Time

Sponsoring Organization. Freedom Imaginaries

Languages: English

Location: Virtual Zoom Event
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/EnvironmentalRightsDefenders

Contact for organizer: Malene Alleyne
malene@freedomimaginaries.org


Summary Event:
Environmental rights defenders in the Caribbean face serious challenges. They often inhabit racial sacrifice zones - places where racially marginalized nations and persons are disproportionately burdened by environmental and climate crises. They stand on the frontlines of catastrophic harm, yet they are routinely excluded from access to environmental information, access to participation in environmental decision-making processes, and access to effective remedies for historical and contemporary injustices. In this context, this session continues the discussion on the situation of environmental rights defenders in the Caribbean. This iteration focuses on a proposed framework for rights-based reparatory environmental democracy (RRED Framework) as a tool for protecting environmental rights defenders and building pathways to reparations for structural environmental and climate injustice. The session will also take a critical look at the reparatory possibilities and limitations of the Escazú Agreement - the first environmental treaty for the Caribbean and Latin America.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/EnvironmentalRightsDefenders

Título del evento paralelo : 
Apartheid Tecnológico : acciones sindicales sobre los Derechos sociales y laborales de las mujeres y adolescentes afrodescendientes y el impacto del racismo en Inteligencia Artificial.

Fecha: 15/04/25

Hora y zona horaria del evento paralelo : 16hs. de Panamá / 18hs. de Buenos Aires
Organización(es) o entidad(es) patrocinadora(s) : ISP - Comite contra el Racismo, la Discriminacion y la Xenofobia - Afrodescendientes de la Red internacional de Sindicatos de Servicios Públicos

Idioma(s) en el cual se llevará a cabo el evento paralelo : Español

Descripción del evento paralelo
En este encuentro, analizaremos el cumplimiento de los acuerdos internacionales en materia de derechos hacia las mujeres y adolescentes afrodescendientes, nos enfocaremos como desde los sindicatos trabajamos para concientizar sobre la equidad, igualdad y paridad de género en el ámbito laboral, las nuevas tecnologías, impactan en el acceso libre a esos derechos?
¿Son las nuevas tecnologías un espacio de inclusión y equidad?

Panelistas:

1.  Andrea Betegon - Secretaria de la Mujer - Federación Nacional de Asociaciones y Sindicatos de Entidades Públicas de Panamá (FENASEP)
2. Olga Fernandez - Unión Personal Civil de la Nación Argentina (UPCN)
3. Maritza Chavez - Secretaria General de la Unión de Trabajadores y Trabajadoras Legislativos de Costa Rica (ULTRALEG)

Modera: Tamara Barbará - Comisión Afrodescendientes del Sindicato del Personal Legislativo - Argentina

Evento en línea, se realizará por la plataforma zoom, info en @ispracismo - Inscripcion:  https://forms.gle/QZboeLYUCc8qC97SA

Nombre y dirección de correo electrónico de la persona organizadora principal : Tamara Barbará ispracismo@gmail.com (autorizo la publicación de mis datos)

Enlace web para obtener más información. @ispracismo / Inscripcion: https://forms.gle/QZboeLYUCc8qC97SA

Topic: A Global Fight For Inclusion and Services

Time: Tuesday April 15, 2025 @7:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST (US and Canada}
Sponsor: Autism509

Language: English
Description: Cultural stigma and misconceptions about neurodiversity, especially autism, delay diagnosis and treatment in many global South countries. Afro-descendent children globally face misdiagnosis due to bias and lack of culturally competent care. A shortage of trained professionals and diagnostic tools worsens the issue. Solutions include culturally sensitive screening, grassroots collaboration, community leader engagement, and advocacy for better education, telehealth, and funding. Integrating special needs services into broader health and education initiatives is crucial. A global effort with policy changes, funding, and partnerships is needed to prioritize neurodiversity and special needs, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.

Location: WEBIMAR

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

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7itNiy9TQYGuANSpAj-WKw

Title of the side event
The Main Focus is Reparatory Justice for Africa and People of African Descent as one of the four central topics of the 4th Session of the PFPAD.

Title: “Pan African Roots Synergy Conversation on Land rights for Indigenous Africans”1

Date, time and time zone of side event
Date: April 15th, Time: 7.30 PM – 9.30 PM (New York Time)

Main Organizers
The Kingdom of Kush in cooperation with the AUADS Sixth Region High Council
Co -Sponsored by
-Institution of Financial Unity
-Europe Pan African Forum for People of African Descent
-Europe Pan African Coalition on Reparatory Justice
-Guyana Reparation Commission
-EPAF-PAD Belgium
-National Platform Dutch Slavery Past (Associated Member of Caricom Reparation Commission)
-Tiye International
-KROTOASA Foundation South Africa
-National Reparation Commission NL

Language(s) in which the side event will be held
English. On basis of the registrations, decision will be made if translation in French, Spanish or Portuguese will be available.

Description of the side event

The Context
According to the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights “land is not a mere commodity, but an essential element for the realization of many human rights. Land is a cross-cutting issue that impacts directly on the enjoyment of a number of human rights. …. Land is also often linked to people's identities and so it is tied to social and cultural rights.” The UN WCAR 2001 declared the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity. As consequences of these acts, indigenous Africans lost their claim to land. This Event will focus on the Legal Framework, Regulations, Policies and Practices that present the case for Reparatory Justice. 2

Location of the side event .
Venue: 630SECOND New York 849 6th Avenue (https://www.eventective.com/new-york-ny/630-second-avenue-708362.html)
Registration: https://regislandright.eventbrite.com/

Name and email address of the lead organizer (and permission to publish the lead
organizer’s contact details)
email address: regislandright@gmail.com 


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1. We define Indigenous Africans as Africans who lost their land rights under Slavery as well as Colonialism. Also define as African Diaspora or People of African descent
2. Some sources
https://app.box.com/s/6vg48pr6jidp409cqpu8ydlg2fzi8jnx
https://www.actec.org/resource-center/video/40-acres-and-a-mule-reparations-and-the-estate-tax/#:~:text=%E2%80%9C40%20Acres%20and%20a%20Mule,resources%20for%20economic%20self%2Dsufficiency
https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019-05/sg-guidance-note-on-land-and-conflict-march-2019-1.pdf