ALGA co-hosts Transformations - a major international conference on cultural diversity
1 February 2005
The critical role of cultural diversity in human development will be the theme of Transformations, a major international conference to be held at the Australian National University in Canberra from 7-9 February.
The Australian Local Government Association is joining the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA), the Australian National University (ANU), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) to co-host the conference.
Transformations is emerging as one of the most important gatherings on cultural diversity in recent years. It will allow participants to explore the future for Australia's diversity planning, policies and programs.
An impressive array of international and Australian speakers will analyse the significance of the 2001 UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversity on Australia and the region.
ALGA President, Councillor Paul Bell, said that the conference was "a unique opportunity to enhance international debate on cultural diversity and foster the exchange of knowledge and best practice".
"Article Three of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity states that cultural diversity widens the range of options open to everyone: it is one of the roots of development.
"I look forward to the options and new perspectives this conference will offer to further harness cultural diversity across Australia and develop stronger, more inclusive communities," he said.
Key speakers will include:
- Professor Nguyen Van Huy, Director, Vietnam Ethnology Museum
- Dr Fred Schoorl, Director, Netherlands Institute of Physical Planning and Housing
- Simone Bernhardt, Council of Europe, Strassbourg
- Professor Glen Maberly, International Health, Emory University, USA
- Mali Voi, UNESCO Pacific Regional Cultural Advisor, Samoa
- Dr Peter Shergold, Secretary, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Phillip Adams, Broadcaster, writer, film maker
- Jennifer Bott, Chief Executive Officer, Australia Council for the Arts
- Adjunct Professor James Jupp, Director, Centre for Immigration and Multicultural Studies in the Research School of Sciences, ANU
During the course of the conference presentations will be made by a number of councils and local government associations, including:
- City of Melville, WA: City of Melville Multicultural Program
- Canterbury City Council, NSW: Canterbury Interfaith Harmony Project
- City of Darebin, Vic: Beyond Tokenism
- Brisbane City Council, Qld: Diverse communities - one city
- Wyndham City Council, Vic: Community capacity building - strength in diversity
- Cairns City Council, Qld: Peace Week - United in Diversity Community Festival
- Holyroyd City Council, NSW: A practical approach to cultural diversity
- Local Government Association of Queensland: Engaging Queenslanders in developing more just, inclusive and vibrant communities through local government
- Fairfield City Council, NSW: Place relations
Cr Bell will address the conference on 9 February at 10am and will summarise the approach of Australian local government to cultural diversity, community participation and human development.
Inaugural multicultural service awards for local government
For the first time FECCA, Australia's peak multicultural body, will formally recognise excellence in local government planning and delivery of services to people from different cultural backgrounds.
FECCA, in conjunction with ALGA, ANU and UNESCO, has created the Transformations Awards to recognise the contribution that local government makes to Australia's cultural diversity.
"Australia's Local Governments have positively shaped the experience of generations of migrants in suburbs and towns across the country", said FECCA Chairperson, Abd Malak. "The nation's 675 councils and shires play an influential role in helping people from overseas settle in Australia".
Mr Malak said Transformations provided the catalyst for FECCA to recognise that local governments manage local affairs for all local residents irrespective of where they come from.
Conference details
Full program details [external link] can be found on the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) web site.
