Public debate took place in Germany, in Hamburg, between the 1st and 4th July. The hybrid format of public discussions was elaborated in advance (keynote speeches, panel discussions, and practical working groups’ sessions). The inspiring dialogues have been conducted in an inclusive way with the involvement of vulnerable groups’ representatives.
Bramfelder Kulturladen in Hamburg was a host of the first public debate in partnership with organizations from Germany, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, Lithuania, and Estonia, that provided the event with all necessary facilities and spaces for engaging dialogues. Participants had a chance to enrich their knowledge about local, regional, and EU practices regarding the inclusion of vulnerable groups into society through culture, education, art, and policy practices. Participants of the first public debates have been visiting NGOs in Hamburg, such as Bramfelder Kulturladen and Interkulturelles Migranten Integrations Center.
The event implied a two-day discussion, which consists of open, creative, and proactive dialogues. Keynote speeches, panel discussions, debates, working groups, and roundtables have been addressing issues of social cohesion across different realms. The participants are people involved in education, culture, social work, researchers, young people, ethnic and sexual minorities, migrants, policymakers, representatives of NGOs, who mainly stand for human rights, inclusion, and empowerment of the diverse vulnerable groups, and strive for maintenance and straightening of democratic institutions across Europe.
The central question was how to maintain and straighten cohesion among European civil society, focusing on children, youth, elders, and professionals working in culture, education, and social work. The problem of «vulnerabilization» was fundamentally raised (the need for balance between victimization and empowerment); how to involve youth and others in political participation and civil activity; inclusion through culture, art, education, medical service, and other corresponding realms. The two-folded working groups concluded the event. The first part was dedicated to discrimination of vulnerable groups; political participation and democracy, employment dialogue, intercultural education, social involvement; working together. The second part consisted of themes: Inclusive Education and Training; Employment Opportunities and Skills Recognition; Access to Affordable and Adequate Health Care; Adequate and Accessible Housing. Some solutions, educational and inclusional mechanisms were suggested regarding these issues.
The project is co-funded by European Commission in the frame of the Europe for Citizens