Paris, October 09-10, 2024 – Madam France Marquet, South Asia Foundation's (SAF) Representative to UNESCO, attended the 30th Anniversary celebration of UNESCO’s Routes of Enslaved Peoples programme, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The event took place on Wednesday, October 9, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM (CET) and Thursday, October 10, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CET).
This milestone event marked three decades of the programme’s efforts to address the historical and cultural legacies of enslavement. Initiated in 1994, the Routes of Enslaved Peoples programme has played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and preserving the memory of the transatlantic slave trade and other forms of enslavement across the globe.
The two-day event brought together scholars, activists, and representatives from member states and partner organizations to reflect on the progress achieved over the past 30 years and discuss the path forward. Participants emphasized the importance of addressing historical injustices, fostering reconciliation, and ensuring that the legacies of enslavement continue to be acknowledged and addressed in educational and cultural initiatives worldwide.
Madam Marquet’s participation in the event underscores the South Asia Foundation’s ongoing commitment to UNESCO’s mission of promoting peace, cultural understanding, and human dignity. SAF, under the leadership of its founder, Ambassador Madanjeet Singh, has long supported efforts to bridge divides through education, cultural exchange, and advocacy for human rights.
The anniversary celebration served as both a reflection on the journey thus far and a reaffirmation of the collective responsibility to continue promoting inclusivity and justice in the years to come.
Source: UNESCO Website