Diversity Charter Greece, the City of Athens, and Athens Development S.A. are co-organizing the 2nd Diversity In Cities Conference 2026, titled “Humanizing Life: Inclusion Starts in the Neighborhood,” on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Serafio of the City of Athens.
The Conference aims to serve as a meaningful forum for dialogue and the exchange of best practices regarding the integration of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion into the policies and operations of Local Government, highlighting the crucial role of cities in creating societies with equal opportunities for all.
The event is being held as part of the activities of the Diversity Charter, an initiative of the European Commission, which in Greece is supported by KEAN and has been in operation since 2019 as a tool for institutional commitment to promoting equality and equal opportunities. Today, more than 300 organizations and institutions, including municipalities and regions, have already signed the Charter, representing more than 90,000 employees.
The 2nd Diversity In Cities Conference centers on the need for cities to become more people-friendly, accessible, and inclusive through policies that promote social cohesion, equal participation, and sustainable development. The conference’s themes focus, among other things, on inclusive local governance, the empowerment of women in the city, accessibility policies and support for people with disabilities, mental health, and the development of partnerships and tools that contribute to the creation of inclusive cities.
The conference will be attended by representatives of the government, local government, institutional bodies, and civil society. Opening remarks will be delivered by Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Domna Michailidou, Minister of Labor Niki Kerameos, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security, Anna Efthymiu, the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, the Secretary General of KEDE, Dimitris Kafantaris, as well as representatives of EETAA and Athens Development.
At the same time, as part of the Conference, elected representatives and mayors from across Greece will participate, presenting best practices and innovative initiatives already being implemented at the local level to promote equality, accessibility, and social care.
Of particular importance is the call for municipalities to sign the Diversity Charter, at a dynamic and highly symbolic moment that tangibly demonstrates their commitment to modern, responsible, and inclusive policies, while simultaneously strengthening their institutional profile and their alignment with European guidelines on sustainability and social cohesion.
The conference is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, and the Region of Attica.
The media sponsors are the Athenian-Macedonian News Agency, Athens 9.84, Newsbeast, Mad Radio 106.2, Mad TV, and Diversitynews.eu.
For more information and the detailed conference program, visit: Diversity In Cities Conference 2026
