REPORT OF THE 4TH UCLG WORLD CONGRESS
Thematic Round-Table 4 Promoting Diversity
Speakers highlighted that promoting diversity is a must as it is a reality faced by all cities and territories. Respect and promotion of diversity emerged as an asset and a powerful source of innovation for improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups. Respecting diversity is universal and deeply rooted in profound ethical values such as tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination. Diversity is a multi-dimensional issue (political, economic, cultural, social, diversity of all kinds) that should gain visibility and importance within the UCLG agenda and the work towards Habitat III. Promoting diversity is not only about sector and actor focused policies (national and foreign migrants, street traders and informal workers, citizens with diverse religious or sexual identities, etc.) but also about spatial planning and policies. Land use planning and preservation of public spaces triggers the promotion of diversity and spatial inclusion can become a guiding principle. Diversity concepts were discussed and the multidimensional concept was broken into 38
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concrete examples of demands and actions that occur in the city and their leadership. City leaders integrate the diversity of community actors, such as ethnic groups, youth, women, diverse sexual orientation, and aging persons in policy design. Migration policies are also key. Not all decisions can be a space for cultural expression, as demonstrated by the Mayor of Singapore where limited land and space sometimes require decisions that affect heritage or vulnerable communities. Nevertheless, in making these decisions it is important to listen and to involve communities and their interests in order to achieve a broader understanding of city management. Diversity is a political challenge, and not to address it is dangerous. Land use and public space, as well as service provision, can trigger or stagger the promotion of diversity. Spatial inclusion can become a guiding principle. For example in Mauretania, the diversity and tradition of activities unfolding in the few public parks shows how important it is to have an open space policy.