On Wednesday, 26/02, at Technopolis, Diversity Charter Greece, KEAN, the Municipality of Athens, the GSEE Labor Institute, the Hellenic Association for Local Development and Local Government (EETAA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, ^co -organized the 1st Diversity Conference for Local Government.

Mayors from across the country, scientists, ministers, parliamentarians and representatives of local government organizations were present and the speakers described a future of inclusion and respect for diversity that begins in the neighborhoods.

Haris Doukas: “Diversity is not a problem, it is the solution”

In the context of the 1st Diversity Conference for Local Government, the mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, emphasized: “For us, inclusion is not a luxury, it is a necessity.” He also underlined that “in Athens, every citizen – regardless of origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or disability, is a valuable piece of a rare mosaic.”
Furthermore, he pointed out that “our cities are not just a collection of buildings and infrastructure. No society can move forward without first becoming a community.”

Regarding the importance of social equality, the mayor stated: “We cannot ignore that some people are born with fewer opportunities and that there are systemic discriminations that prevent them from prospering.” He added, “society and institutions have a responsibility to provide a safety net to those who need it most.”

Referring to the municipality’s initiatives for equality, Mr. Doukas emphasized: “Inclusion is not an act of charity, but an investment in our future.”
In addition, he highlighted the operation of the Shelter for Women Victims of Violence, where “11 women and 12 children are housed”, as well as the Center for Combating Gender-Based Violence, which “in the last year provided counseling support to 215 women”.

“We are the first municipality in Greece to implement the “As HERE” program to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace,” he noted, emphasizing the municipal authority’s commitment to combating gender-based violence.

Regarding accessibility for people with disabilities, the mayor pointed out that “for the first time, exhibitions and activities are being organized that are universally accessible to people with visual and hearing disabilities, as well as to people with autism.”

At the same time, “we created the Safe Athens application so that our deaf fellow citizens feel safe”, while “seven accessible routes for people with mobility and visual disabilities” have been implemented.

“March was established as disability awareness month,” said Mr. Doukas, announcing “a series of workshops, actions and the first Career Day for people with disabilities.”

For the participation of the elderly, the mayor of Athens announced the organization of the 1st Active Ageing Festival, which will include “the 2nd poetry competition and the 1st painting competition, in collaboration with the Goulandris Foundation”. The pilot program “I Age Smartly” is also running, aiming to “increase the autonomy of dozens of our elderly fellow citizens”.

Referring to immigrants living in Athens, Mr. Doukas emphasized that “the Immigrant Integration Center served 3,000 unique beneficiaries in 2024, providing support, language learning and vocational training.”

In addition, “the municipality, in collaboration with organizations, organized job fairs, in which 270 people from 40 countries and 33 businesses participated”, as well as cultural events, such as the celebration of World Refugee Day, which “in 2024 brought together over 400 participants”.

Concluding his speech, Haris Doukas sent a clear message: “Diversity is not a problem, it is the solution”, calling on local government “to take the lead in promoting social justice and inclusion”.

“Let us work together, with determination and vision, to leave no one behind,” he concluded.

The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson and Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Katerina Papakosta , stressed the importance of defending acquired rights and implementing policies that ensure equality. “It is more important than ever, with undiminished intensity, not only to defend acquired rights of years, but also to design policies that will ensure the rights of all citizens,” she said, noting that Local Government constitutes “the cornerstone of our common struggle.”

The CEO of Parnonas Development Company, Marinis Beretsos , presented the company’s work in promoting diversity, emphasizing that “over 50% of our employees are young scientists aged 25-35” and that the implementation of the Estia program through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees was “an unprecedented experience that made us wiser.” As he mentioned, the company has incorporated diversity principles into its operations, signing the Diversity Charter.

The Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis , stated that the Local Government has the power to implement policies that promote the equal participation of all citizens. “The Municipality of Thessaloniki will sign the Diversity Charter, recognizing that promoting equality and diversity is not only a matter of justice, but also of development, innovation and social cohesion,” he said, while presenting the actions of the municipality for the support of the elderly, accessibility and gender equality.

The First Vice President of KEDE and Mayor of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, Grigoris Konstantellos , pointed out that the Diversity Charter is a powerful tool for commitment to equal opportunities in businesses and municipalities. “Local Government has the responsibility to lead the way in promoting equality and social cohesion,” he noted, while pledging that his municipality will continue to work towards the formation of an inclusive and progressive environment.

Deputy Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Sofia Voultepsi , referred to the international challenges related to diversity, emphasizing that “work is a right and everyone can contribute”. She spoke about the need to integrate immigrants into the labor market and called on businesses to include the refugee issue in their social responsibility actions. “Radicalization and extremist violence are threats that require immediate action. The correct treatment of immigration problems is absolutely related to the sustainability of our economy”, she stated.

Ms. Voultepsi, in fact, emphasized that “social cohesion is a prerequisite for economic development,” as she said, when people feel they belong somewhere, they are more likely to contribute to society.