Government says Arrindell attended UNESCO racism and discrimination forum

The Government of Sint Maarten said Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell attended the fifth UNESCO Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands. The government’s release adds details of Sint Maarten’s representation at the gathering.

According to the government, UNESCO and the Kingdom of the Netherlands organised the two-day forum under the theme, “From Commitment to Accountability: Change the System, Change the Future.” It said King Willem-Alexander attended the opening and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten gave an opening address.

The government said the forum addressed systemic racism, institutional accountability, reparatory justice, education, social inclusion and discrimination in digital settings, including online hate speech, algorithmic bias and artificial intelligence. It said the discussions also covered the effects of slavery and colonialism, including on communities of African descent.

The government said the forum highlighted the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, covering 2025 to 2034, and discussions on practical initiatives involving education, cultural preservation, institutional reform and community development.