Director-General's remarks at the Dialogue on Anti-Racism and Mental Health

Dialogue on Anti-Racism and Mental Health
Friday, 10 October 2025 at 4.30 p.m.
 Room VIII, Palais des Nations

Delivered on behalf of the Director-General by Ms. Lidiya Grigoreva, Cheffe de Cabinet, Office of the Director-General

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure for me to join you as we mark World Mental Health Day, and to read a message on behalf of the Director-General, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, who unfortunately could not be here today.

Let me sincerely thank our tireless Anti-Racism Advocate Betsy Ntongai and UNOG Working Group Against Racism for organizing today’s event.

As we mark World Mental Health Day, we are reminded that mental health is essential — not only on a personal level, but also for the strength and effectiveness of the United Nations as a whole.

Across our Organization, colleagues work tirelessly on some of the world’s most complex and demanding challenges — often under intense pressure and, at times, in difficult conditions. This work is deeply meaningful, but it can also be very challenging. That is why mental health must be seen as a shared responsibility. The UN System Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for 2024 and beyond provides practical tools to help us prevent risks, promote well-being at work, and ensure that support is available whenever it is needed.

There is a clear link between racism and mental health. If a person experiences racism in the workplace, their morale and motivation might diminish, and over time, if unaddressed, such a situation could be damaging for their mental health. It would not be wise leadership if we turn a blind eye to these issues.

As the UN Secretary-General has said,
“The position of the United Nations on racism is crystal clear: this scourge violates the United Nations Charter and debases our core values.”

Here in Geneva, we are committed not to turn a blind eye, but to turn these words into action. I invite you all to engage actively in the discussion after the screening, and to carry this conversation beyond these walls — to your teams and colleagues. By exchanging ideas and best practices, we can better understand how mental health intersects with racism and other forms of discrimination, address these challenges and continue building a UN hub in Geneva that is truly inclusive, compassionate, and supportive for all.

Thank you.