On November 2 and 3, 2006, the International Dialogues Foundation (IDF) organized 'The Hague International Conference on Youth and Metropolis: a European-Muslim Dialogue', as part of the programme 'Layers of Identity'. The project was supported by the municipality of The Hague, NL; the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment; and the Foundation 1848.
The aim of the conference was to promote involvement of the migrant and non-migrant youth in the public debate on issues connected to the relation between European society and the Muslim world. The position of the migrant youth in the large cities was the main theme and the perspective was one of shared responsibilities. The prevailing climate of diminishing tolerance with regard to immigrants and the 'us-them' mentality in Western societies were instigating factors to initiate this project.
"Tales of Eight Cities", the international seminar
The international seminar on November 2, 2006 was opened by Mrs. Maria van der Hoeven, Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Sciences. The keynote speakers: Dr. Tariq Ramadan, author, philosopher and Professor in Islamic Studies and Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh, vice-mayor of The Hague, and other experts presented their vision and analysis of the situation in Berlin, Birmingham, Paris, The Hague, Istanbul, Casablanca, Muscat and Vancouver.
The presentations showed diverse political and socio-cultural contexts. All eight cities have in common: their youth with multiple identities; similar problems of the migrant youth in often lower class neighbourhoods; the need for strong pro-active social / urban policies to create mutual engagement, shared responsibilities and commitment at the local level. It takes effort to build a pluralistic society. Constructive examples of implemented projects were named, particularly by Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh, The Hague and Mr. Baldwin Wong, Vancouver.
"Youth and Participation", the public discussion meeting
The Public Discussion Meeting on November 3, 2006 included two workshops and a film.
- "Employment, Business and Education" - morning workshop
- "Citizenship and Social Responsibility"- afternoon workshop
- The film "Please take us seriously"
"Participation" and "social cohesion" are keywords. Examples of projects to promote youth participation in education programmes, including traineeships and civic education, and in employment were presented. The concepts of 'integration', 'identity' (multiple identities), 'citizenship', with rights and duties, and 'social responsibility' were discussed.
The heterogeneity of the youth in the large cities was seen in a positive way. Citizenship was seen as a better word than integration in the international dialogue. Integration is often interpreted as assimilation, whereas citizenship implies the necessity to build a new society, with the efforts of all groups who live in this society. Some citizens are in marginalized, vulnerable positions; they cannot be expected to participate in the same way as other citizens of the city. Social responsibility is seen as that of not only the youth but also that of the social actors. The professionals, public organisations and governments, too, have a collective social responsibility to provide the preconditions for socialisation and goodı citizenship. Good practice examples of public-private partnerships were named.
Along with the social aspects, it is important to emphasize the crucial role of the political aspect, which should not be underestimated. As the recent discussion with regard to the 'double nationality' shows very clearly: the participation of immigrant youth in the political discussion should be considered as one of the major challenges to which the Dutch (and other) political system is confronted.
"Tales of Eight Cities", international seminar, summary report
speech by Mrs. Maria van der Hoeven, Minister of Education, Culture and Sciences
speech by Professor Tariq Ramadan, summary
speech by Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh, vice-mayor of The Hague
speech by Mr. Baldwin Wong, Vancouver, summary
"Youth and Participation"- workshop "Employment, Business and Education", summary report
Layers of National Identity Speech by Peter Idenburg in Oman, september 2005
