About Conference:

The conference aims to bring together policy-makers, activists, civil society organizations/practitioners, academic and research scholars, students, and other stakeholders from around the world in a common forum to share knowledge about caste system, and its connection to other systems of oppression, and discuss best practices and solutions for how we can work together to end caste discrimination as a shared interconnected struggle for a more equitable and just world. 

The Global Conference for a Caste Free World 2025 - Building Solidarity towards Equality, Social Justice and Abolition of Caste System represents a significant opportunity to mobilize global action and solidarity towards the eradication of one of the most pervasive forms of discrimination in the world today. By harnessing the collective wisdom, expertise, and energy of diverse stakeholders, we can pave the way for a future where caste-based discrimination is relegated to the history books, while paving concrete ways to compensatory reparation to victimized populations of structural casteism such that all individuals are able to live with dignity, equality, and respect.

A set of recommendations will be developed during the conference proceedings in the form of Toronto Declarations for announcement at the conclusion of the conference as well as submission to relevant governments at various levels and international bodies including UN OHCHR.

​

Objectives:

1. Raise awareness: The conference will serve as a platform to raise global awareness about the persistence and impact of caste discrimination on individuals and communities.

2. Share knowledge from research and experience: Academic scholars and other participants will share research findings, case studies, experience and testimonies related to caste discrimination, highlighting both the challenges and successful interventions.

3. Foster dialogue and collaboration: The conference will facilitate meaningful dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, academia, and affected communities, to foster collaboration and collective action geared at ending caste discrimination within one's community, nation, and globally.

4.  Identify best practices: Through panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, the conference will identify and showcase best practices in empowering Dalit and caste oppressed groups and in abolishing caste discrimination.

5. Catalyze action: By bringing together key actors and stakeholders, the conference aims to catalyze concrete actions through reparative policy changes at local, national, and international levels to end caste discrimination effectively.

6. Build a strong Dalit Youth Caucus.

​

Date, Venue and Preparations

The conference will be organized for a 3-days period, dated 25-27 May 2025 in Toronto, Canada and allowing participants of various walks of life who have human rights and social justice in mind, from around the globe.

For onsite events, the venue arranged for the conference is Canadian Convention Centre

79 Bramsteele Rd, Brampton, ON L6W 3K6.

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A designated conference organizing committee will be formed and mobilized to undertake necessary preparatory activities for the conference. The committee will steer the entire preparations of the conference undertaken by various sub-committees within the organizers. A total of 9 months preparatory period, starting May 2024. A collection of arts and artifact products made by traditional occupational caste people who are victimized by the caste-based discrimination will be placed in the Market Place area of the conference venue for promoting their fair-trade in Canada.

There will be a provision and necessary arrangement for registration of participants to the conference – both online and onsite.

 

Target Audience:

The conference welcomes participation from a diverse array of actors and constituencies viz. policymakers, government officials, civil society organizations, activists, academics, researchers, students, and representatives of marginalized caste communities from around the world.

​

 Expected Outcomes:

1. Enhanced awareness and understanding of the complexities and nuances of caste-based discrimination among participants. A global community of practice will be formed and mobilized out of this process.

2.  Actionable reparative policy recommendations and strategies developed for addressing caste discrimination at the local, national, and international levels.

3.  Networks and partnerships established among stakeholders to foster collaboration and mutual support in the fight against caste discrimination.

4. Marginalized caste communities will be empowered through the amplification of their voices and experiences and the promotion of solidarity with other marginalized groups.

5. Renewed understanding and commitment from governments, civil society organizations, and the international community to take concrete steps towards the elimination of caste discrimination and the promotion of equality, human rights and social justice for all.

​

​

​