The Human Rights Forum presented by UNACanada-Calgary Branch has been offered since 2007 as part of GlobalFest’s programming to promote diversity, cross cultural respect, and equality in our community. Our annual Human Rights Forum topics are structured around the UNESCO’s Coalition of Municipalities against Racism and Discrimination.

Recognized as an excellent platform for sharing experiences, knowledge, and practical solutions necessary to address issues of racism and discrimination, the Human Rights Forum presented by UNAC Calgary encourages systemic change across the Canadian community in a positive and safe environment.

2020 heralded incredible change on a global scale, from the outbreak of the pandemic to the largest civil rights movement in living memory. This year’s forum, originally scheduled for Calgary’s New Central Library in May, will instead take place online over five days in October. The incredible cast of speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Breaking the Cycle 2.0

Noon-1pm daily, plus question time:
Tuesday 13 October: Becoming an Ally
Wednesday 14 October: Diversifying Organisational Leadership
Thursday 15 October: Institutional Change
Friday 16 October: Indigenous Racism in Alberta
10am-11am, plus question time:
Saturday 17 October: Raising Anti-Racist Kids
Registration: Free.

“The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.”
— Ijeoma Oluo

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2019: “Breaking the Cycle of Hate”

Last year’s Human Rights Forum explored HATE from a number of perspectives: those who have participated in hate-based organizations, who have incited hate, have been impacted by hate and have been victims of hate.

Together with key note speaker Daryl Davis, authors, activists and advocates Minoo Homily, TM Garret, Tony McAleer and Doug White participated in talks, panel discussions and breakout sessions, where they shared their stories as to how they came to and through their experiences, and what the motivating factors were for them to break the cycle of hate.

Mission

GlobalFest is a not-for-profit society dedicated to celebrating and showcasing Calgary’s cultural diversity and artistic excellence within our communities locally and across the globe. We are committed to producing an inclusive, world-class, multi-faceted arts and cultural festival that will enhance Alberta’s reputation as a truly international destination.