Manchester, UK 28-29 January 2009
The British Council together with the Institute of Community Cohesion is pleased to announce an international conference on community cohesion.
Globally our communities are changing yet face many similar challenges. Youthful and mobile populations have a greater awareness of international events. Virtual new communities are being created across geographic borders which provide opportunities for broadening cultural awareness and understanding.
People want to make their neighbourhoods better and safer places to live and are adjusting to these challenges. Individuals, community and civil society groups, local authorities and businesses are coming together to find solutions through new dialogues and trying to eliminate the inequalities which still exist. Constructive frameworks and discourses are being established and people are learning to respect each other and their different cultures.
This conference provides a unique opportunity for practitioners to come together to share learning and identify good practice. There will be opportunities to consider some of the underlying issues that create tensions between local communities, and to look at practical and creative ways to resolve these.
The event provides a showcase for the sharing of good practice from around the world and forums for lively, open and constructive sharing of learning. In workshops and panel discussions we will look at how these experiences can be translated into policy recommendations.
Topics will include:
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Young people – citizenship, employment and engagement |
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Civil society and how they work in communities |
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The role of education, culture and media in promoting community cohesion |
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How businesses contribute to the well-being of communities |
Featuring internationally renowned speakers, the conference will also bring practitioners together from around the world to:
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Establish new international networks around the community cohesion agenda and support long-term learning in these areas |
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Explore some of the issues that communities are facing globally and begin a dialogue on how these issues can be addressed. |
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Share experiences, strengthen understanding and build good practice internationally in community relations and cohesion |
If you are working for the public sector, a business, community or voluntary organisation in a role which helps to provide practical solutions in communities, this conference will prove invaluable. Those working on policy development will also benefit through opportunities during the conference to explore the key themes and consider a policy and governance response to them.
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