A/HRC/18/45 overcome inequality. He stated that proper data collection enhanced democracy because it allowed people to say what they think and to be counted in the way they want. The speaker also noted the importance of the analysis and interpretation of data, follow-up activities to data collection and the development of strategies, in accordance with collected data. 4. Discussion on the contribution made by people of African descent to global development 91. Alma Jenkins, from the United Nations Children’s Fund Regional Office in Panama, gave a presentation on the contribution made by young people of African descent to the fight against racism and racial discrimination in Latin America and the Caribbean. 92. In her presentation, Ms. Jenkins spoke about several activities undertaken by Latin American and Caribbean Afro-descendant youth groups to follow up on the World Conference against Racism. Such initiatives included the involvement of Afro-descendant youths in the preparation of shadow reports to the United Nations monitoring bodies, participation in the drafting of bills against racism, the monitoring of mass media and involvement in census data to guarantee a better visibility of people of African descent. 93. Ms. Jenkins stressed that several Afro-descendant Youth summits had been organized in Latin America and the Caribbean to ensure that the situation of young people of African descent was made visible. It was noted that the next summit of young Afrodescendants leaders would be held in Costa Rica in June 2011 and that OHCHR had been invited to participate in it. 94. The speaker made a number of recommendations that the efforts made by young people of African descent be supported by measures to enhance their inclusion in all aspect of public life. Such measures included the reinforcement of their capacity to engage actively in policy dialogue, the promotion of affirmative action in universities and academic institutions, the mapping of programmes and policies specifically designed for young people of African descent and support for intergenerational dialogue between leaders. 95. One expert noted that further efforts should be made to monitor the media and to protest against the racist stereotypes they often conveyed. The importance of creating a forum where young people of African descent could express their views and make contributions was also noted. 96. Ms. Sahli, made a presentation regarding the contribution made by people of African descent to global development. She highlighted the importance of multiculturalism and pointed out the need to enhance the mobilization of the diaspora in order to influence social and economic policies. The diaspora had reached political maturity in the United States of America, but not in Europe. The underrepresentation of people of African descent in decision-making bodies, including political structures, was linked to their invisibility. She noted the important role played by the media and international networks. In order to increase the visibility of the contributions of people of African descent, information must be collected and widely disseminated. Most of the available information focuses on contributions to sport, music and films, but not on many other areas. The potential of people of African descent had to be boosted further by States. 97. With regard to migration, Ms. Sahli pointed out that both countries of residence and countries of origin had a key role to play. She noted the significant impact of remittances on African economies and the fact that this can also reduce poverty in countries of origin. Education and access to technology could enhance the efficiency of networks at various levels. She emphasized the key role of mass media in changing stereotypes and attitudes. 15