Every year on 21 March, people across Central Asia come together to celebrate Nowruz (meaning ‘new day’), marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. The UN takes it as an opportunity to renew its pledge to end racism in society and the workplace. Nowruz is a traditional festivity that embodies values of peace, solidarity, reconciliation, friendship, cultural diversity, and mutual respect.
On the same day, another significant occasion is observed at the United Nations: the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination—a reminder of the ongoing fight against racism. This day was proclaimed nearly 60 years ago during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and serves as a solemn occasion to honor the victims of racial injustice and renew global efforts to end racial discrimination. It also provides a catalytic moment for the UN to strengthen its support for states working to combat racism and xenophobia.
At the UN, 21 March offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made under the UN Strategic Action Plan on addressing racism in the workplace, which was launched in 2022. Since then, significant strides have been made. A dedicated Anti-Racism Office was created to oversee and coordinate the plan’s implementation, while a network of Anti-Racism Advocates have been actively driving local-level efforts. Numerous online training and events have helped staff identify and report racial discrimination with confidence. In UN Geneva, a Working Group on Addressing Racism was established to implement key recommendations focused on raising awareness, providing training, improving recruitment practices, enhancing performance management, and promoting accountability. These collective efforts culminated in October 2023 with the launch of the Geneva Alliance Against Racism, followed by the adoption of 16 concrete pledges by the heads of Geneva-based international organizations to end racial discrimination.
Despite this encouraging progress, some detractors may still question why so much attention is given to an issue they perceive as minimal within the UN workplace. Others may assert their ‘color blindness,’ deny the existence of racial realities, or argue that anti-racism efforts could unintentionally create discrimination.
Left unaddressed, these misconceptions risk fostering a ‘not-here’ syndrome—denial that racism exists within the organization, even while acknowledging its presence in broader society. Ironically, organizations committed to diversity often face heightened denial from privileged employees.
Confronting this denial head-on, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged: “Sometimes we have been slow to recognize racism within the UN. But eliminating this scourge is central to who we are—and essential to carrying out our mission around the world.”
Similarly, UNOG Director-General Tatiana Valovaya affirmed:“Unfortunately, racial discrimination is alive and well at the United Nations.” She emphasized the urgency of addressing racism in the workplace and ensuring that our own “house is in order.”
Research consistently shows that addressing racism effectively requires empowering staff to understand systemic racism and unconscious bias. We must prioritize continuous, respectful conversations over confrontations and use data to identify problems and solutions. Anti-racism is inherently intersectional, acknowledging overlapping identities and experiences. At its core, it demands an examination of how race, power, and influence affect access to leadership positions, career opportunities, and decision-making processes. True progress also requires transparency and accountability at every level of the Organization.
Ending both overt and covert forms of racism is a long and complex journey. It challenges us to question our assumptions and reflect on our actions—or, at times, our inaction. In today’s world, where racism and xenophobia are once again on the rise, we would do well to remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
So, on 21 March, let us take time to celebrate this day in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation. Like Nowruz, let us renew our promises—to build a workplace free of racism and discrimination, and to strengthen our shared values of mutual respect and solidarity.