Toronto: Sahayatra-Canada, a non-government organization registered in Canada – in coordination with various organizations from South Asia and North America, is organizing the Global Conference for a Caste-Free World 2025.
The event will be held in Toronto, Canada, from May 25 to May 27, with the main theme “Building Solidarity towards Equality, Social Justice, and the Abolition of the Caste System.”
“Over 260 million people worldwide face inhumane treatment and discrimination based on caste, race, and descent. While caste-based discrimination originated in South Asia, it has now spread globally,” said Dr Drona Rasali, chair of the organizing committee of the global conference.
“The global conference will focus on generating international dialogue around best practices and solutions to address caste-based discrimination. It aims to draw the attention of national and international governments, communities, relevant organizations, and target groups toward creating and implementing effective policies to build a discrimination-free world,” he added.
The conference aims to bring together government agency, policymakers, and activists, representatives from civil society, organizations, businesses, academic researchers, scholars, and students to develop a shared platform for knowledge exchange.
It seeks to unite stakeholders worldwide to discuss how caste systems and other oppressive practices can be abolished through collective efforts for justice and equity, according to the organizers.
The conference will feature participants including international and national activists, policymakers, human rights defenders, civil society representatives, businesses, academics, researchers, students, journalists, professionals, and social advocates engaged in campaigns against discrimination.
“So far, we have receivec confirmation from 15 speakers including distinguished scholars, professors and researchers. We are optimistic that this conference will serve as a shared forum for participants to present their experiences, ideas, and initiatives, with a special focus on caste discrimination in Nepal (the focus country),” said Santosh Bishwakarma, convener of the global conference. “Furthermore, the conference aims to foster international solidarity in the fight against discrimination.”
The discussions will cover a range of topics, including the impacts of caste discrimination, personal experiences of those affected, case-studies, reviews of international laws and their implementation, global efforts to eliminate discrimination, knowledge transfer, research on Dalit-related issues, and best practices and solutions to address caste-based discrimination. The conference will also focus on organizational development, future strategies, and creating an equitable and socially just society. Approximately 500 participants from around the world are expected to attend.
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