In August 2021, the United Nations General Assembly established a platform to improve the lives of people of African descent. The Permanent Forum of People of African Descent combats racism, racial discrimination, extremist movements, and xenophobia worldwide. Earlier this month, that forum held its first gathering in Switzerland. VOA’s Haydé Adams spoke about that meeting with Desirée Cormier Smith, Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice at U.S. State Department.