“Integrating Cities” Conference: Promoting Diversity and Inclusion across Europe

The Prague City Council together with the Integration Centre Prague and other representatives of the Czech Republic participated in the recent “Integrating Cities” conference. This international meeting brought together city representatives and experts from across the European Union to share experiences and ideas on strengthening diversity, equality and inclusion (together abbreviated as DEI), with a particular focus on supporting migrant and refugee communities.

The conference offered an inspiring space for sharing best practices and deeper discussions on current policies and narratives on migration across Europe. It was a valuable opportunity for Prague to engage in the search for solutions to create more inclusive opportunities at the local level, where integration can go beyond politics and become an everyday reality.

Signing the Charter of Integrating Cities

One of the key events of the conference was the adoption of the Charter of Integrating Cities, which was signed by five cities: Comune di Bologna, Grenoble-Alpes Métropole, Düsseldorf, Stadt Dortmund and Vilnius. By signing the Charter, these cities have committed themselves to intensify their support for the agenda to strengthen diversity, equality and inclusion and to create sustainable and resilient urban environments.

Simona Bieliune, Deputy Mayor of Vilnius and Shadow Commissioner for Welcoming Cities said that “the signing of the Charter is not a symbolic gesture for Vilnius, but a real commitment to strengthen inclusiveness and equality”. Bieliune believes that it is important to create an environment where integration is not only a policy but also a daily reality.

Inspiration for Prague

For the Prague City Council, the conference is a clear reminder of the changes that can be achieved in our context. Inclusive cities that promote equality and diversity are key for the future of European societies. Sharing experiences and ideas through international cooperation is the first step towards making the Czech capital an example of an open and friendly city.

The conference also included the final meeting of the partners in the international UNITES project, in which the City of Prague was a partner of the UNITES project. Prague was one of 8 partner cities that learned from each other and from migration experts how to co-develop their integration strategies and activities together with their residents with a migrant background. For more information on this collaboration, visit the Integrating Cities website.

 

To find out more about the project, see the UNITES Project in the International Cooperation section of our website.