United Races Documentary Partners with United Nations Women (UN Women) and War Child to Champion Diversity and Education

Jan-Willem Breure’s documentary United Races has gained substantial support from prominent organizations, including UN Women Netherlands and War Child, in a collaborative effort to address systemic racism, celebrate diversity, and challenge longstanding stereotypes. With production support from the foundation Septimius Pictures, United Races stands as a groundbreaking documentary that seeks to reshape how people view race, history, and cultural contributions.

Marije Cornelissen, Director of UN Women Netherlands, expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s goals, saying, “UN Women the Netherlands is very happy to be a part of this wonderful initiative, in which contributions to society by those that history tends to forget, such as ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities and women, are celebrated. Unstereotyping is one of the most important tasks we have as a society, in this age of polarization and disinformation. This documentary can contribute to making a connection instead of polarizing and undermining stereotypes instead of repeating them.” Cornelissen’s statement reflects the organization’s mission to advance gender equality and social justice, goals that align closely with Breure’s vision for a more inclusive historical narrative.

United Races aims to fill gaps in how history is taught, challenging the tendency to frame the story of human progress primarily through Western perspectives. Breure’s documentary brings attention to the often-overlooked achievements of diverse communities, highlighting the historical and technological contributions of Africans, Native Americans, Aboriginals, Asians, Middle Easterners, and Caucasians. This approach intends to broaden the understanding of global history, showing how the advancement of civilization is the result of contributions from all races, cultures, and genders. The project’s educational focus aligns closely with UN Women’s objectives, underscoring the power of narrative to foster mutual respect and empathy.

The documentary’s partnership with War Child adds another layer of significance. War Child, which also partners with the United Nations, is committed to helping children affected by conflict and addressing issues that fuel global inequality and violence. Ernst Suur, Director of War Child Netherlands, shared his support for the documentary, stating, “We are honoured that the documentary United Races is dedicated to our War Child mission. As racism ignites conflict, it is a super important issue to discuss and very much linked to the work we do – with children affected by conflict – all around the world. We believe that starting the discussion about inequality and racism at an early age, through this powerful documentary, could create change in the lives of many children and young people.”

The collaboration between United Races and War Child reflects a shared commitment to using education as a force for peace. War Child’s involvement also emphasizes the documentary’s potential to reach younger audiences who may be most impacted by the inequalities and systemic issues it seeks to address. War Child’s work in conflict zones is an ongoing reminder that children are among the first and most vulnerable victims of systemic violence rooted in racism and discrimination. Breure’s hope is that by bringing these issues to light, United Races will encourage early conversations on the importance of diversity, equity, and empathy.

Breure’s journey to create United Races was motivated by the increasing polarization seen worldwide. Rather than addressing only the symptoms of racism, Breure chose to explore its deeper, often overlooked origins. He believes that real, lasting change is achieved through systemic efforts, especially within education. “Unfortunately, we live in a world that is becoming more polarized,” Breure states, acknowledging the limitations of conventional approaches to fighting racism. He argues that temporary policy changes and surface-level representations of racial groups do little to address the root causes of inequality. Breure’s vision advocates for a deeper understanding, with a focus on how education can dismantle entrenched biases.

With support from Septimius Pictures, United Races challenges long-standing narratives and stereotypes. The foundation’s backing of this project enables Breure to create a documentary that not only educates but also inspires viewers to question and broaden their understanding of race and history. Through in-depth interviews with scholars, community leaders, and notable figures, the documentary brings various perspectives to light. By showcasing the accomplishments of different races and cultures, United Races takes an inclusive approach to history that emphasizes connection rather than division.

Through its partnership with UN Women and War Child, United Races has become more than a film; it represents a movement for social change. The documentary seeks to remind viewers that combating racism is not a task to be completed with a simple fix. Instead, it requires a fundamental shift in thinking and a commitment to a more inclusive approach to education and history. Cornelissen’s support for “unstereotyping” highlights the documentary’s potential to dismantle stereotypes and encourage people to see each other beyond labels, an effort aligned with UN Women’s goals of gender and social equality.

Ultimately, United Races offers a bold vision of history that celebrates the interconnectedness of human civilization. The documentary’s approach suggests that no single group or nation can claim the entire story of human progress. Instead, each culture and community contributes unique insights, skills, and innovations that shape society. Breure’s hope is that this project will serve as a tool for creating empathy and understanding, particularly among younger generations.

The collaborative power of United Races lies in its recognition of diversity as humanity’s strength. In the words of Breure, it is through embracing the contributions of all cultures that society can move beyond division toward mutual respect and shared purpose.