Represented by its Executive Director, Allen Alexandre, CCAM returned to Geneva enriched by its experience at the 3rd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent, held from April 16 to 19, 2024. Invited by the Canadian government to be part of its delegation to this international gathering, the organization's representative had the opportunity to meet representatives from all over the world, including delegates from the United States, Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Benin and Nigeria.
Several significant observations were made:
1) The challenges facing Black communities are shared concerns worldwide, underscoring the crucial importance of our work at CCAM to preserve the cultural and artistic heritage of Black Canadian communities.
2) We recognize the importance of exchanges with other actors involved in promoting the interests of black communities, particularly those in Latin America.
3) As the first G7 country to adopt the Decade for People of African Descent, Canada is seen as a model of leadership in promoting the interests of Black communities, with significant investments and concrete actions that make it a notable example worldwide.
The Executive Director of CCAM also took advantage of his visit to the United Nations to discuss CCAM's flagship initiatives with Canada's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Leslie Norton, and Minister Kamal Khera. During these exchanges, the parties pledged to explore opportunities for collaboration to promote the work of the ACPC internationally.
CCAM applauds the sustained efforts of civil society who continue to work to encourage our governments to do their fair share and do more to promote an agenda that puts a truly inclusive social, cultural and economic agenda at the heart of its priorities.