This event will be held in English.
This series is co-organized by the City Diplomacy Lab and the Columbia Global Paris Center. This webinar is co-sponsored by the UNESCO’s International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR).
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Webinar | 9:00 a.m. Montevideo | 2:00 p.m. Barcelona / Paris | 9:00 p.m. Gwangju
City representatives from Montevideo (Uruguay), Barcelona (Spain), and Gwangju (South Korea) discuss migrant and refugee reception and integration; accessibility of municipal services to migrants; integration of migrants into local political life; countering fake news; diversity; sanctuary cities; and more.
Overview
Inequities of all kinds often find their most pronounced and visible expression in cities. In response to this, a growing number of municipal administrations are combining local participatory action with national and international knowledge exchange, thus becoming laboratories for impactful and sustainable social solutions.
This series aims to bring together the representatives of cities that have implemented some of the most impactful and sustainable social actions.
Events will take place as webinars beginning in February 2024 and will cover the local challenges and solutions regarding social justice, gender, inclusion, and age. Each webinar will see the participation of representatives of three cities from different continents.
This series celebrates the leadership of cities and provides inspiration for the thousands of cities and local governments around the world committed to shaping an equitable future for all urban residents.
Speakers
Barcelona
Anabel Rodríguez Basanta is Chief of the Human Rights Department of the Barcelona City Council in a Directorate which integrates different services and programs for the prevention and guarantee of rights and the fight against discrimination. She has a law degree and master's degree in Criminal System and Social Problems, and in Social Research Techniques. She has had different technical and directive responsibilities in public administration in prevention and security matters and management and organizational improvement. She has published different articles and book chapters, and has been professor at the Open University of Catalonia and at the University of Barcelona.
Gwangju
Dr. Shin Gyonggu has been an advocate for human rights and international collaboration in Gwangju. Serving as the Senior Advisor for Human Rights and International Affairs for the City of Gwangju since 2016, He has been the volunteer director of the Gwangju International Center (GIC) since 1999, working diligently to support the rights of international residents through various programs and a dedicated staff of 17 full-time employees.
Since 2014, Dr. Shin has been instrumental in organizing the World Human Rights Cities Forum (WHRCF), an annual event co-hosted by Gwangju, UNESCO, and the UN OHCHR. This forum has become a cornerstone for discussing and promoting human rights in the Asia Pacific region, reflecting his commitment to integrating global perspectives with local actions.
Dr. Shin is also Professor Emeritus of Chonnam National University, where he dedicated 31 years to teaching and research. His academic career includes on-campus roles such as Language Center Director and International Dean. Initially focused on language policy and effective language education, his research interests evolved towards promoting human rights in urban settings, influenced by his extensive involvement in the WHRCF.
Montevideo
Dra. Esc. Fabiana Goyeneche is the Director of International Relations and Cooperation of Montevideo and the President of the Steering Committee of the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR – UNESCO). Goyeneche is a lawyer and public notary, and has pursued further education in International Relations, Equality and Non-Discrimination. She has occupied various governmental roles, highlighting her ability to work within bureaucratic frameworks and influence decision-making processes. Goyeneche was Director of Social Development for Montevideo (2015 - 2020) and served as advisor in national ministries, such as Social Development and Economy and Finance. Her role as executive secretary of the Mercociudades network and her presidency in the Steering Committee of ICCAR – UNESCO also illustrates her leadership on a global scale. Additionally, serving for Mayor of Montevideo, Eng. Carolina Cosse, in the Advisory Group to the United Nations Secretary-General on Local Governments, underscores her diplomatic skills and capacity to represent Montevideo's interests on an international platform.
For further information on the City Diplomacy Lab, please visit https://www.citydiplomacylab.net/
