Fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Drum Dialogue
for 
Equality and Inclusion
 
Date: April 14th, 2025
Location: South Visitors Plaza, UN Secretariat, New York
 
 
Background
The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) is tasked with promoting a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of societies. In this context, in partnership with OHCHR the Department of Global Communication and the Africa Center, UNFPA will host a Drum Dialogue at the fourth session of the PFPAD.

The fourth session of the permanent forum on people of African descent provides a confluence of opportunities to deepen the discourse and renew hope for realizing the rights of People of African Descent. The Drum Dialogue will highlight the first year of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent under the theme “Recognition, Justice and Development” and the renewed commitment from member states and stakeholders at all levels to continue to strengthen their efforts to end inequalities and discrimination. The Second International Decade is also an opportunity to take concrete actions to confront the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, and secure the full human rights and freedoms of people of African descent worldwide. This event will also, celebrate the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Permanent Memorial to Honour the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, “Ark of Return.” 

Across Africa, drums were used to accompany story telling playing a vital role in Africa's oral tradition and culture. Drums connect Africa and its diaspora. Enslaved peoples used them to communicate and to express their culture, they were an essential part of their survival and resilience. Its music transcends borders and language, acting as a unifying symbol, bringing people together, fostering unity, shared identity and strengthening community bonds.
 
The Concept
The Drum Dialogue is envisioned as a 1.5 hour event. It will include performances of traditional drummers and dancers from Africa and the African diaspora. A short 10-minute fireside chat, featuring history experts discussing the importance and history of the African drums, and short statements from relevant United Nations, Member States, civil society and other relevant figures. The event will celebrate Africa's and the diaspora's rich diversity.
 
 
Objectives
The proposed event is part of efforts aimed at promoting Africa and African diaspora culture and recognizing the contributions of Africans and people of African Descent in the spirit of Recognition, Justice, and Development. Specific objectives include:
Celebrating African and Afro-descendant culture and heritage
Promoting the rich diversity of Afro-descendants’ cultural heritage and contributions to global development;
Educating the public on the rich history of Africans and the African diaspora
Support the participation of young people of African descent in meaningful cultural activities, increasing their knowledge and participation in relevant multicultural/multilateral spaces.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Permanent Memorial to Honour the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, “Ark of Return,”
Recognizing the beginning of the first year of the Second Decade for People of African Descent

Date, Duration and Venue
The drum dialogue will be held in the Visitors Plaza at UN Secretariat, New York in front of the Ark of Return on April 14th, 2025. The event will last 1.5 hours with drummers performing. The agenda will also include brief remarks from relevant UN entities and other stakeholders and a short fireside chat session.

Organizing & Partner Agencies 
UNFPA will host the event in partnership with the Department of Global Communication and OHCHR and in collaboration with the Africa Center.