Article by the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis

Thessaloniki has always been a city at the crossroads of cultures, religions and identities. A city that flourished through coexistence and exchange, and which today is called upon to transform its historical diversity into modern policies of inclusion, equality and respect.

In this context, the signing of the Diversity Charter by the Municipality of Thessaloniki is not a symbolic gesture, but a clear orientation of political will. We declare openly and categorically that our city has no place for discrimination, exclusion or hate speech. The doors of Thessaloniki are hermetically closed to racism, fascism, homophobia and any form of social exclusion.

The Diversity Charter is not just a text of principles. It is a call to responsibility to all public bodies, organizations and businesses, to actively build a working and social environment that gives voice and space to everyone. As a Municipality, we are committed to integrating equality policies not only within the administration, but also in our daily services to the citizen.

We are already implementing a series of actions aimed at enhancing accessibility, supporting vulnerable groups, equal treatment and strengthening social cohesion. From social protection programs to new social structures and support networks, Thessaloniki is systematically investing in a future-oriented policy of inclusion.

The signing of the Charter was for us the natural next step in this process. We want Thessaloniki to be an example of how the Local Government can lead in promoting diversity and equality. Not just with statements, but with actions, policies and institutional guarantees.

Because diversity is not a challenge – it is an opportunity. And a just society is not a utopia – it is a choice.