The conference we are organising in collaboration with the Thessaloniki Municipality and the Open Society Institute At Home in Europe Project, will address the fundamental issues of integration and diversity within our societies and cities – concepts that are vital to the attainment of social cohesion, political and economic stability and democracy, at the local, national and European level, particularly as related to Islam.

The focus will be on Thessaloniki and Greece while at the same time including a wider Balkan and European perspective in order to share knowledge and experiences and propose policies, practices and ways forward.

The aim of the conference is to explore experiences, policies and practice with regard to integration and diversity in Europe, including the political, social, and economic participation of Muslims and other marginalised groups at both a local and European level.

The conference will be held in English will take the form of a round-table discussion comprising four thematic sessions. In each session our guest speakers – a group of distinguished international and Greek specialists, academics, media representatives and policy makers – will be invited to make 10-minute presentations, to be followed by a 40 to 50-minute general discussion.

Thematic Sessions:

The conference is aimed at policy makers, NGOs, media professionals, academics and students of relevant disciplines and is open upon registration only.

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided. Certificates of attendance will be issued at the closure of the conference.