July 18-20, 2024, United Nations Headquarters, New York
Harold D’Souza’s remarkable journey from the depths of poverty and slavery to becoming a celebrated figure at the United Nations has been honored as a beacon of hope and resilience. At the 18th International Human Rights Summit, held from July 18-20, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, D’Souza was recognized for his transformative path from “Slavery to Stardom.”
The summit, themed “Empower – Unite – Transform,” brought together delegates from over 75 countries to foster a collaborative environment aimed at advancing human rights education and advocacy. Among the highlights of the summit was Harold D’Souza’s powerful address, which left a profound impact on an audience of international delegates, human rights advocates, and UN officials.
In his moving speech, D’Souza shared his personal journey and emphasized the transformative power of human rights education. He expressed gratitude for the honor of addressing the UN, attributing his success to a higher power. D’Souza humbly referred to himself as “a common man, a failure, and a sinner,” yet his message of hope and empowerment resonated deeply with attendees.
D’Souza also moderated a distinguished panel discussion titled “Human Rights in Action,” featuring seven international experts:
- Otis Daye, Canada, Equity Consultant at Halifax Regional Center for Education
- Caroline Hunter, USA, Co-Founder of Polaroid Revolutionary Workers Movement
- Jaime Zablah, El Salvador, CEO of Factoria Ciudadana (Citizens Factory)
- Stephani Freed, USA, CEO & Co-Founder of Rapha International
- Zaria Mazda, Venezuela/USA, Founding Member of Guardians of Human Rights Foundation
- Dr. Lizbeth Eugenia Rosas Montero, Mexico, National System for the Comprehensive Development of Family (SNDIF)
- Chelsea Hedquist, USA, Executive Director of Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice
During the summit, D’Souza honored Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, President of United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International, for her steadfast dedication to human rights advocacy. Reflecting on his past, D’Souza shared his experience of failing in the four P’s—Parent, Provider, Protector, and Person. However, through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its educational impact, he transformed these failures into Passion, Purpose, Power, and Prayers.
The summit also provided a platform for D’Souza to engage with prominent figures, including Ambassador H.E. James Larsen, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, and ambassadors from The Bahamas, Sri Lanka, USA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bolivia, and Timor-Leste. These interactions highlighted the collaborative spirit essential for advancing global human rights.
Harold D’Souza’s journey from rags to riches, poverty to prosperity, and slavery to stardom underscores the power of resilience and advocacy. His contributions were previously recognized with the Human Rights Hero Award in 2023, solidifying his role as a leading voice in human rights.
The 18th International Human Rights Summit not only celebrated progress but also called for continued efforts in human rights education and advocacy. As delegates departed, they carried with them renewed inspiration and a commitment to empower, unite, and transform their communities.
Additionally, a Bollywood biopic is in the works, chronicling Harold D’Souza’s extraordinary life journey from India to the White House. Today, Harold and Dancy D’Souza co-found Eyes Open International, a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, education, protection, and empowerment of victims and vulnerable populations worldwide.