The Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Under-Secretary General, Dr. Natalia Kanem will hold a high-level forum in Ghana as part of an initiative by the United Nations to advance the rights of people of African Descent by promoting recognition, justice and development.

The forum which will be held on Friday, April 22 is on the theme, "People of African Descent: Accelerating the Commitment for Recognition, Advancement of Rights, Justice and Development and precedes this year’s International Day for People of African Descent to be observed on August 31.

The meeting is aimed at promoting dialogue and advocacy on thematic areas that would enhance inclusion and the well-being of People of African Descent.

The forum is expected to be attended by Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as the Special Guest of Honour and Vice-President of Costa Rica, Epsy Campbell Barr, who will be delivering the keynote address.

UNFPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem, who is the UN Secretary-General's Champion is also expected to engage with traditional leaders by paying a courtesy call to the King of Akwamu, His Royal Majesty Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III while in Ghana to further the agenda of people of African heritage.

The UNFPA in a statement to announce the forum said “Highlights of the upcoming events scheduled between 19^th and 23^rd April 2022 include: A High-level Forum on People of African Descent; a courtesy call to the President and the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana and field visit to assess Nana Afrakuma II’s Vocational Institute for Adolescent Mothers in Akwamu.”

A high-level delegation is also expected to visit the Elmina Castle, Assin Manso Slave Market and Slave River Park to provide an experience of touristic sites that are indispensable to the history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

The inaugural celebration of International Day for People of African Descent was hosted by the Government of Costa Rica in San Jose in August 2021.

This was after a resolution was adopted by the United Nations based on a proposal by Costa Rica to observe the day in recognition of the history, legacy and contributions of the African diaspora worldwide.