Students join forces with Urdd Gobaith Cymru to launch anti-racism message

Cardiff University students and Urdd Gobaith Cymru are throwing  a spotlight on anti-racism as part of the Welsh charity’s annual Peace and Goodwill Message.

Wales’ largest youth organisation is calling on people across the globe to Call Them Out, ahead of its annual Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire, where the University will also have a presence.

Created at a workshop in Cardiff earlier this year, the Urdd’s 2023 anti-racism message calls on people to “encourage kindness, teach acceptance, and to call out racist remarks and prejudices”. The message, which is supported by musician Eäydyth and Natalie Jones from S4C, is presented in a short-form film and released today on the Urdd’s social media platforms.

Cardiff University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Damian Walford Davies said: “Staff and students at Cardiff University applaud the anti-racism emphasis of the Urdd’s Peace and Goodwill message this year. We lend our voices to amplify the global call to challenge both ourselves and others to become actively anti-racist, knowing that Wales can play its part.”

Siân Lewis, the Urdd’s Chief Executive said: “Each year the Urdd gives a voice and platform to the youth of Wales to be heard across the world, and our anti-racism message is a no-holds-barred message, telling everyone that we must call out racism whenever and wherever we see it.

“As an organisation we recognise that we must take action and responsibility to make sure that racism has no place in the world. The Urdd is for everyone, and as an organisation it’s important that we represent and reflect Wales as a country today.”

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The Urdd’s Peace and Goodwill message continues to play an integral role in projecting Wales’ values around the globe. I’m delighted to support this year’s message which calls upon the citizens of the world to take action and call out racism and unconscious prejudices.

“This important message carries the Welsh Government’s vision of becoming an anti-racist nation by 2030 – a place where we can all live and thrive, creating a society where everyone is valued.”

The Urdd’s Peace and Goodwill Message is unique to Wales.  For over a century, on the 18 May, the young people of Wales have drawn global attention to themes that are important to them while sharing a message of peace to the world.

The Urdd’s anti-racism message is available in 50 languages, as well as BSL, and can be downloaded here. The Urdd urges people around the globe to assist in amplifying the voices of the youth of Wales on 18 May by sharing the message on social media from @Urdd using #Heddwch2023.

https://youtu.be/9FnRXSwW5sM

Cardiff University will be at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire on May 29. To find out more about our programme of events, click here.