​The month of May is traditionally marked as the European Diversity Month. That was one of the reasons why the 155th plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions hosted a debate with the European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli.

Members discussed the promotion of equality, inclusion and diversity at the local and regional level, quoting numerous examples from their regions and cities.

Speaking on behalf of the EA group, our first vice president and Cork City Councillor Kieran McCarthy quoted the Irish proverb Ní neart go cur le chéile, "there is no strength without unity" adding that this should be the basis of all EU policies. He listed a number of ways local and regional authorities can promote inclusive policies and practices but particularly drew attention to the work done by a group of female councillors from his city who created the Cork City Council’s Women’s Caucus in order to increase women’s engagement in public life and representation in local politics.

He stressed that such initiatives, through which local politicians take action on a personal, direct level represent the right way forward towards achieving more inclusive and just communities.

Mr Klaas Fokkinga, member of the Provincial Council of Friesland stressed that European Diversity Month is important and should be marked but that, at the same time, there are 11 other months in the year during which problems still persist and during which we must work with the same commitment.