Four editions of real impact 

Over the past four years, the forum has built a growing international infrastructure for change:

• Network of Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Officials — connecting government officials across countries to coordinate action
• UNESCO Global Alliance against Racism and Discrimination — bringing together governments, civil society, media, academics, and local communities
• Global Outlook on Racism and Discrimination — a key evidence base for understanding the scale and shape of the problem
• UNESCO Toolkit on Combating Racism and Discrimination — practical guidance for governments and organisations taking action

The 2026 edition in The Hague builds upon this foundation, with a focus on strengthening this international infrastructure and accelerating concrete results. Centred on the theme of recognition, justice, and development, it is also a major focal point for the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034).

What the forum will address

Tensions are rising worldwide. Discrimination, racism, and hate speech are becoming increasingly visible in societies. Recent figures show that more than 20% of people have experienced discrimination, and according to UNESCO, a large proportion of reported cases relate to race and gender.

Yet the problem is not only growing, it is also shifting. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Xueli Abbing, who spoke at the announcement alongside Dutch representatives, noted that racism and discrimination have changed form rather than decreased in recent years. Everyday situations where discrimination occurs are often overlooked, making them harder to name, measure, and address. It is precisely this gap between policy commitments and lived reality that the forum aims to close.

Organised by the National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism (NCDR), in partnership with UNESCO and several Dutch ministries, the 2026 edition will centre around three key themes, each reflecting a shared understanding that combating discrimination and racism is a global responsibility requiring sustained commitment and collective action.

Key themes of the Forum

1. Civil society: How grassroots communities and local organisations can be better recognised and resourced as long-term drivers of change, moving beyond top-down policy. A concrete example is the UNESCO Master Class Series against Racism and Discriminations, in which young people are trained as ambassadors for inclusion and equality.
2. Data collection: The critical role of research in advancing equality, including the collection, analysis, and ethical use of disaggregated data as a key lever for developing effective public policies.
3. Reparatory justice: Addressing the enduring impacts of historical injustices, including the legacy of enslavement, and exploring policy approaches that promote recognition and systemic transformation.

From Paris to The Hague

The Global Forum launched in Paris in 2021 and has since travelled to Mexico City, São Paulo, and Barcelona. Each edition has brought together governments, civil society organisations, academics, and international institutions to address racism and discrimination on a global scale. The previous edition welcomed more than 1,200 visitors in person and over 50,000 online participants from 89 countries. 

Why The Hague

The Hague is home to the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and more than 160 international organisations and NGOs. Every day, efforts across the city focus on protecting human rights, pursuing accountability, and supporting a fairer world. It is also the city where National Coordinator Rabin Baldewsingh previously served as alderman, a connection that reflects the local roots behind this international ambition. The Hague therefore provides a fitting setting for a forum that aims to strengthen international cooperation and deliver tangible results.