NILGA in association with MME ThinkTank hosted a special event aimed at encouraging more MME members into local government and politics.
The event MME – participation- exploring barriers, exploding myths seeking solutions, was hosted in the Long Gallery, and was well attended by political representatives.
The aim of the event was to encourage more MME representatives into politics, as numbers are currently very low. NILGA is working alongside the MME ThinkTank and Northern Ireland African Caribbean Leadership Consortium (NIACLC) to rectify this situation.
Commenting on the event, NILGA President Councillor Alison Bennington, who welcomed everyone on Saturday morning, said, “ This is an appropriate event for NILGA to take a lead in, building on our existing work in encouraging minority groups to vote and to participate in electoral politics through our ‘Be a Councillor, Make a Difference’ campaign. I am keen to ensure that democratic participation in Northern Ireland continues to thrive, with our elected representatives as a visible representation of our community as a whole.”
Alfred Abolarin, Founder of the Migrant and Minority Ethnic Thinktank and the African and Caribbean Leadership Consortium NI said, “This is a significant moment of reflection as we mark the International Day of Democracy. A moment to revisit the essence of democracy and to take a closer look at the principles of participation, equality, equity, collaboration and trust. A time to recognise our interconnectedness and interdependence.”
He added: “This event is an outworking of a design thinking project which started in 2022 in Oxford University through the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building (CDPB) Fellowship Programme for civic leaders, politicians, and people in business.”
He said, “Together, we must continue to build a society that reflects the collective interests of everyone; where participation and inclusion is not a privilege but the civic responsibility of all; a society where everyone has a stake in the flourishing and prosperity of this place we call home.”
In closing the event Baroness Margaret Ritchie said, “Currently people from the MME communities form approximately 4% of the population in Northern Ireland and there are at the moment only two elected representatives from the MME communities, both at council level.
“Further to recent disturbances across Northern Ireland which were particularly unsettling for the migrant ethnic population, it has become ever more apparent that visible participation and representation, are vital components in our efforts to build a united community. “
The event provides a very timely start to Good Relations Week 2024, which runs from 16 to 22 September. This year’s theme is ‘OpportUNITY’ which is a call to action to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all. A moment for us to UNITE in helping build a region where every voice matters. Good Relations Weeks is an opportunity to highlight the incredible work of local groups, organisations, and individuals who are dedicated to promoting inclusivity and tackling issues such as sectarianism, racism, and inequality. More information at - https://goodrelationsweek.com/
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