The Committee on Social Inclusion, Participatory and Human Rights of UCLG actively participated in the organization of this thematic round table, which will take place on 3rd October 2013 from 14h to 15:30h at ISESCO (Salle Solidarité) in the framework of UCLG World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders which will take place in Rabat (Morocco), 1-4 October 2013.
Expert of the session and rapporteur: Mr. Yves Cabannes, Professor and responsible for the Development Planning at Bartlett Development Planning Unit (DPU), University College London.
Speakers
- Mr. Jürgen Roters, Mayor of Cologne (Germany)
- Ms. Pat Horn, Director of Streetnet International
- Mr. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Mayor of Singapore (Southeast District)
- Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, Deputy Secretary General of the International Labour Organizion (ILO)
- Ms. Fatimetou Mint Abdel Malick, Mayor of Tevragh-zeina (Mauritania)
- Ms. Ratna Omidvar, President of Maytree Foundation
- Mr. Adilson Pires, Vice Mayor of Rio de Janeiro (Brasil)
- Ms. Ibone Bengoetxea, Deputy Mayor of Bilbao (Spain)
- Mr. Aisen Nikolaev, Mayor of Yakutsk (Russian Federation)
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- PRESENTATION OF THE PLENARY
Recognising diversity as a source of innovation and social capital
The objective of this session is twofold: to pursue the exploration of the various dimensions and challenges in relation to governance and public management, and to attempt to identify concrete policies that show to what extent acknowledging urban diversity can constitute a substantial opportunity for innovation on political, social, cultural, economic and territorial levels.
- Identify the differing dimensions of diversity: the multi-dimensional concept of diversity will be examined along with the stakes that citizens face to manage it in a globalising world context characterised by increased mobility. Furthermore, the session will address, among others, questions of: political diversity (the diverse forms of organisation and representation of residents of cities); social diversity (in socio-economic, educational, professional terms etc.); cultural diversity (heritage, knowledge and creativity); gender diversity; inter-generational diversity; diversity in terms of urban landscapes (constructed and natural); diversity of urban territories (“formal” city vs. informal settlements, centre vs. periphery); etc.
- Valuing diversity as a political opportunity. Managing diversity is a highly complex phenomenon; nevertheless it is also a great source of innovation. Recognising and valuing diversity and its multi-dimensional nature through local and regional public policies can lead to the construction of cities that enjoy greater economic, social, cultural, political and territorial potential. The extent to which a city recognises its diversity is reflected, fundamentally, in the following aspects: (i) the way in which political participation by all residents is ensured (men and women; youth and the elderly; migrants and natives; entrepreneurs and informal workers; inhabitants and informal settlement organisations; (ii) the priority given to social policies aimed at combatting social and spatial exclusion; (iii) the implementation of economic means aimed at reinforcing and stimulating diversity-promoting entrepreneurialism and the creation of reliable spaces for economic investment on different levels; (iv) an integrated urban planning that guarantees diverse and decentralised use of spaces, services and installations; (v) the consideration of culture as a pillar for human development, democratic government and sustainability.
Initial concepts of the debate:
- Political diversity
- Social diversity
- Economic diversity
- Spatial diversity
- Cultural diversity
Potential local public policies:
- Democratic strengthening of local political management; promotion of the associative fabric and the participation of residents in decision-making;
- Policies and spaces dedicated to young people, the elderly, migrants, vulnerable groups; promoting equal opportunities; stimulating community development;
- Endogenous creation of employment; promotion of dignified and diversifying employment; promotion of markets and entrepreneurialism on various levels; economic empowerment of women;
- Improving and recognition of the informal city; decentralisation and diversification of public and natural spaces as elements in fostering wellbeing.
- Ensuring presence of explicit cultural policies, protection of cultural heritage, acknowledgement of historical memory and knowledge, promotion of interculturality.