Since the COVID-19 outbreak, UNESCO and the OECD have hosted webinars to exchange experiences and expertise on measures to address the COVID-19 crisis at the global and local levels. By joining forces in this episode, the UNESCO’s International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities – ICCAR and the OECD Champion Mayors Initiative for Inclusive Growth seek to explore how cities are leading the way in fighting discrimination and exclusion in a post-COVID-19 world. The webinar will focus on the economic and social dimensions of “leaving no one behind” and on actions taken by Mayors and local leaders to fight racism, discrimination and exclusion in cities from around the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities, discrimination and marginalization in cities. Population groups that were already facing difficulties related to health, well-being, and environmental and socioeconomic inequities, have seen disproportionate rates of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and deaths. Moreover, their situation has worsened due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. Discriminations in various forms – racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic – are re-surfacing in these challenging times, particularly in urban areas. National and local governments are putting in place practical and sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact on the wellbeing of residents.
Mayors have a critical role to play in disrupting this trajectory by improving welfare, empowering disadvantaged individuals and addressing inequality. Over the past 4 years, the OECD Champion Mayors Initiative for Inclusive Growth has strived to share best practices from cities around the world to fight all types of inequalities at the local level. This includes ensuring that all citizens have the same power to shape society. ICCAR is a city-level platform that undertakes a wide range of initiatives – from policymaking and capacity-building to awareness-raising. It advocates for global solidarity and collaboration to promote inclusive urban development free from all forms of discrimination.
Speakers
- Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor of the City of Bristol (United Kingdom)
- Shams Asadi, Human Rights Commissioner, City of Vienna (Austria)
Discussant
- Magnus Magnusson, Director for Partnerships and Outreach, Sector for Social and Human Sciences (UNESCO)
Moderator
- Sena Segbedzi, Coordinator, Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative, OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities
Fonte: UNESCO.org