UNESCO Day for Remembering the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Abolition 2026

The Mayor of London will host the ninth UNESCO Day for Remembering the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Abolition in 2026, with a special guest keynote speaker to be announced shortly.

Join us online, for this poignant annual ceremony, which will be live streamed, thus honouring history and reflecting on its lasting impact.

Have you attended a Mayor of London event at one of the city’s iconic venues, or taken part in the free community events held regularly in Trafalgar Square?

Have you ever dreamed of being part of these world‑class moments, or wondered how you could get involved?

Applications are now open to express your interest in joining our UNESCO Day for Remembering the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Abolition 2026/7 event as part of the new Community Advisory Group.

We’re looking for passionate individuals with deep interest, knowledge, insight and creativity to help shape programming that is meaningful, authentic, historically grounded and truly representative.

If you care about amplifying Black history and culture in London and want to play an active role in supporting this event, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply

Before applying, please note that a two-year commitment is required.

You can express your interest at [email protected]

Deadline for applications: Thursday, 15 January 2026.

Read all about London's new memorial to Victims of Transatlantic Slavery, the Wake by Khaleb Brooks. The Wake was chosen from a shortlist of six proposals after an open public consultation during the summer of 2024 in which thousands voted. The memorial is planned to be unveiled in 2026.