That was the message from, Junior Minister Gerry Kelly MP MLA today as he opened the ‘Stepping into Diversity’ Conference at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast.
The two day conference, scheduled to coincide with United Nations Day, allowed participants to explore the challenges and opportunities that come with living in a diverse society. The conference discussed a wide range of issues including housing, employment and education.
Addressing the conference Junior Minister Kelly said: “The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is committed to the development of a diverse and equal society, with all the challenges and opportunities that entails.
“This conference is a clear demonstration of local groups working together in a practical fashion to further relationships and to combat racism.”
Dr. Mamoun Mobayed Chairman of the NI Muslim Families Association, who also spoke at the conference said: “This conference is the culmination of a year long programme of Stepping into Diversity that has been taken to a wide variety of different communities. Change does not come over night, but conferences such as this are making a difference.”
The conference ‘Stepping into Diversity: Sharing the Future as an Inter-Cultural Society’ was part of an anti-racism programmed organised in partnership with TIDES and the Multi-Cultural Resource Centre.
Notes to Editors:
- Further information on TIDES, MCRC or this conference can by found by contacting Louanne Martin, Community Development Officer, MCRC on 07989 262 901 or louanne@mcrc-ni.org
- Media Enquiries: Paddy Cullen, Press Office, Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Email: paddy.cullen@ofmdfmni.gov.uk Tel: 078 50187134. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
