International Civil Society Working Group for the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent


The International Civil Society Working Group for the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (ICSWG-PFPAD) is a global formation of civil society leaders, advocates, and organizations working to strengthen the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent as an effective, well-resourced, and accountable mechanism for advancing the rights, dignity, and development of people of African descent worldwide. ICSWG has helped mobilize civil society around the Forum since the 2021 resolution establishing the mechanism, building broad international participation and helping shape the conditions for the Forum’s long-term success.

Edfu Foundation’s Role 
Edfu Foundation Inc. has served as a UN and fiscal sponsor of this work, helping provide institutional support, continuity, and civil society infrastructure for the International Civil Society Working Group. Through that support, Edfu Foundation has helped sustain advocacy, outreach, coordination, and engagement connected to the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. Edfu Foundation is an NGO in consultative status with ECOSOC and has maintained official UN representation in support of this work.

From the beginning, Edfu Foundation leadership has been closely involved in the advocacy that helped secure the establishment of the Permanent Forum and in the evolution of that advocacy into the ICSWG so that civil society could continue to organize, engage, and strengthen the Forum over time. As Co-Chair from the outset, Sheldon Williams has helped support the advocacy that contributed to passage of the resolution establishing the Forum and helped transform that advocacy into the ICSWG to help ensure the Forum’s continued success.

Why the ICSWG Matters
The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent is a consultative and advisory mechanism intended to improve the safety, quality of life, and livelihoods of people of African descent and to support implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent. ICSWG exists to ensure that civil society remains central to that mission through transparent engagement, community-informed agenda setting, and continued advocacy between annual Forum sessions.

What the ICSWG Does
The ICSWG has carried out a wide range of activities to support the Permanent Forum and amplify the voices of people of African descent around the world. These activities have included:
  • Holding regular monthly meetings with notes and recordings
  • Establishing subcommittees focused on advocacy, education and outreach, partnerships, fundraising, communications, youth, and culture
  • Developing multilingual public feedback tools in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese
  • Hosting agenda-setting forums and town halls for civil society
  • Coordinating travel, housing, and delegate support, especially for youth and elders
  • Organizing virtual and in-person side events in connection with Forum sessions
  • Working with the PFPAD Secretariat to develop survey instruments and recommendations to improve future sessions

Impact and Reach
The ICSWG’s work has helped create stronger civil society participation and more structured engagement with the Permanent Forum. The launch of the Forum in Geneva brought together more than 600 members of civil society, while later sessions continued to expand international participation and deepen collaboration among NGOs, advocates, and institutions working on reparatory justice, racial equity, human rights, and the global advancement of people of African descent. The 2025 ICSWG report also documented collaboration with the Secretariat and recommendations intended to strengthen the Forum’s impact, accessibility, and long-term effectiveness.

Our Commitment
Edfu Foundation remains committed to supporting the International Civil Society Working Group and the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent as part of a broader mission to advance human rights, racial justice, dignity, and global equity for people of African descent. We believe strong civil society coordination is essential to ensuring that the Forum remains impactful, inclusive, and responsive to the communities it was created to serve.

Learn More / Get Involved
The International Civil Society Working Group welcomes advocates, organizations, and community leaders who want to support and strengthen engagement with the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
To learn more, review the ICSWG Charter and join our Mighty Networks community, where you can find additional information about the working group, including committees and opportunities for participation.

ICSWG Charter:
https://forms.gle/oh2zsh29tsfSyiH97

ICSWG Mighty Networks — Join for Committee Information:
https://iwgpfpad.mn.co/about

For partnership, sponsorship, or collaboration inquiries, please contact Edfu Foundation Inc.