UN-Backed Conference In Bologna Tackles Racism In European Cities
New York, Sep 18 2008 10:10AM
A United Nations-backed conference to fight racism and discrimination in the everyday lives of people living in European
cities starts in Bologna today in partnership with the European Coalition of Cities against Racism and FC Barcelona.
The three-day meeting, organized by the City of Bologna, the European Coalition and UN Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO), aims to provide participants with opportunities to formulate recommendations to fight
racism encountered in daily life.
After the mayor of Bologna opens the conference, which is entitled “DiverCity: European Cities for an Inclusive
Society”, a round-table discussion will be held focusing on how mayors can identify the challenges posed by racism and
develop strategies to rid their municipalities of the scourge.
Conference participants will also hear debates on issues revolving around Muslim communities in Europe and
discrimination, as well as the intolerance faced by Sinti and Roma communities and the implementation of a 10-point
action plan to combat racism.
One of the working groups, Youth Voices against Racism, will also use the conference to develop their project providing
practical suggestions for fighting discrimination in sport, through physical and sports education, and in partnership
with the European Parliament.
The Coalition of Cities against Racism was launched by UNESCO in 2004 forming a network to share experiences and join
forces in the fight against racism, discrimination and xenophobia. Coalitions have been established in all the world’s
regions to address the specific characteristics of racism in their areas.
The European Coalition of Cities against Racism, which has 80 member cities in 17 countries, was the first such regional
coalition.
ENDS