The detail and scale of the race equality action plan is bold, to reflect our ambitious and radical vision for Wales—a vision of a Wales that is anti-racist. Not non-racist, not more equal—a Wales in which there is zero tolerance for racism in all its forms. Taking this stance is vitally important to our black, Asian and minority ethnic stakeholders and communities because it provides for an active and conscious understanding that our society is structured in a way that excludes ethnic minorities. An anti-racist stance challenges the status quo and rebuilds systems for the benefit of us all. Anti-racism shifts the burden of racism from the victims to everyone in society. There will be many people in Wales who do not consider themselves racist, but anti-racism requires us all to make a conscious, active effort to call out racism wherever we see it. Simply standing by and staying silent is not enough. Taking an anti-racist stance sets the race equality action plan apart from any other policy intervention of this kind, either previously in Wales, or across the UK.

There are other distinguishing features within this plan that set it apart from other plans of this nature. The principle of co-creation has been fundamental to the development of the race equality action plan. The content of the plan is grounded in the lived experience of black, Asian and minority ethnic people in Wales. Around 2,000 individuals have shared their views on what the plan should include and the plan would not have been possible without their contributions. It has been incredibly powerful and is already proving a catalyst for change. Sharing these lived experiences has been painful for those involved, and I acknowledge the emotional labour inherent in such work. These individuals have given so much of themselves in pursuit of a plan that creates tangible change and it is crucial that we now deliver in acknowledgment of those contributions.

I am grateful to the 17 black, Asian and minority ethnic community mentors who are currently working alongside Welsh Government officials and sharing their expertise. They have added value, enriched our understanding and demonstrated why diversity across a workforce is essential to achieve impactful policy development. Beyond those with lived experience of racism, the plan is a result of collaboration between many stakeholders, and I want to take this opportunity to thank every participant for their generosity of expertise, contribution, guidance and advice provided in support of the plan. I express special thanks to Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna, who has provided challenging, thoughtful and supportive leadership for the work, alongside his role in chairing the COVID-19 socioeconomic group.

The Welsh Government has always prioritised equality in its work. The strategic equality plan and implementation of the socioeconomic duty are demonstrable examples of action we are taking to address inequalities in Wales. The history of Wales in all its diversity will be mandatory within the new curriculum, and last Friday, as further evidence of our commitment to equality, the Minister for Education committed to embedding these principles within the Curriculum for Wales by accepting all recommendations made in the final report by the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, contributions and cynefin in the new curriculum working group, led by Professor Charlotte Williams.

The race equality action plan emphasises the importance of closing the 'implementation gap'. The plan must, in the words of one of our stakeholders, move us from 'rhetoric to reality'. It must deliver our anti-racist vision and create culture change. The actions delivered must be meaningful and result in tangible equality of outcomes. We must think differently about how we measure and monitor progress and delivery. In time, this may require legislative underpinning, but in the short term, we will utilise all of the levers at our disposal to deliver our transformational work alongside stakeholders, as co-owners of the plan, to ensure accountability.

The race equality action plan is ambitious, it is radical and it is a result of a unique form of co-creation and shared ownership. Deputy Llywydd, the successful implementation of the race equality action plan will benefit all citizens in Wales. An equitable employment market will improve overall productivity and economic growth that will benefit us all. A fairer education and training system will develop aspiration, opportunity and improved outcomes for us all. Equalising opportunities and outcomes in health and social care will improve the system for us all. In the words of Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna, 'the imperative for implementing the plan is the mutually beneficial nature of the outcomes; we all stand to benefit from racial equality'.

I invite all Members of the Senedd to consider the race equality action plan and to share in our vision for an anti-racist Wales, where systems that perpetuate inequality are dismantled, where racial diversity is valued, and where we work to achieve equality of opportunities and outcomes for all. Diolch.