Key Takeaways:

• Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal called for full implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
• He warned that algorithmic bias and artificial intelligence could worsen existing discrimination and exclusion
• Nepal highlighted its constitutional commitment to equality, inclusion and non-discrimination
• Khanal outlined four priorities, including stronger laws, inclusive policymaking, AI regulation and international cooperation

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 29 Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has warned that prejudice, exclusion and emerging forms of algorithmic bias continue to undermine human potential, calling for stronger global efforts to combat racism and discrimination. Addressing a high-level UN General Assembly meeting marking the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in New York on Monday, Khanal called for implementation of commitments made 25 years ago to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and systemic injustice. Speaking under the theme 'Mobilizing Global Public Support for the Full and Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action,' Khanal said sustainable human progress depends on protecting the dignity and equal rights of every individual. He cautioned that advances in artificial intelligence could reinforce existing inequalities if adequate safeguards are not put in place. 'Prejudice and exclusion remain major barriers to human potential, and algorithmic bias can further aggravate such problems,' Khanal told the gathering. The foreign minister said the principles of the Durban Declaration are reflected in Nepal's constitutional framework, which guarantees equality before the law, prohibits discrimination and provides for proportional inclusion of historically marginalized communities. He also highlighted Nepal's commitments under seven core international human rights treaties, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). He outlined four priorities for advancing the Durban Programme of Action: stronger anti-discrimination laws and human rights education; meaningful participation of marginalised communities in policymaking; regulation of artificial intelligence to address racial bias and hate speech; and stronger international cooperation against systemic intolerance. The minister also referred to Nepal's recognition of historical discrimination against the Dalit community, stressing the need for continued legislative, policy and structural reforms to address caste-based discrimination and social exclusion. The address comes as governments worldwide increasingly debate the social impacts of artificial intelligence and the need to prevent technology from reinforcing racial, ethnic and social inequalities.