Cohesion, Sharing and Integration

The Executive is fully committed to creating a shared and better society, the Deputy First Minister has told the Assembly.

Mr Martin McGuinness said the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister planned to introduce:

He also said that his department would channel £29m of funding into areas “blighted by racism and sectarianism, deliver continued improvement in relationships and address the challenges facing new and host communities”.

The Deputy First Minister confirmed that OFMDFM was still drafting the policy and would make an announcement shortly.

Voluntary and community organisations have an opportunity to consider how they can contribute to a cohesive, shared and integrated society at a conference organised by NICVA on 30 May from 9.00 to 1.30 in the Island Civic Centre, Lisburn.

Cohesion, Sharing and Integration - our role in a better future is part of a series of events being held to mark the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and will look at our role in fighting sectarianism and racism.

Speakers will include representatives from the Council of Europe, OFMDFM and local voluntary and community organisations working to create a better future for people and communities.

Workshops will explore the role young people can play in advocating for change, women and peace-building, the opportunities and challenges posed by inward migration and the importance of creating shared spaces.

Parvin Ali from the Fatima Women’s Network will talk about the changing dynamics of community cohesion in the UK.

Anna Lo MLA will close the conference with her reflections on the way forward for an increasingly diverse Northern Ireland.

The conference is free of charge for voluntary and community organisations but places are strictly limited and early booking is essential.

To book a place contact Cathy Breslin, email:cathy.breslin@nicva.org; tel: 028 9087 7777.