From 19 to 21 March 2024, Donegal, Ireland, hosted the second EU-Belong Knowledge Sharing Event, an inspiring gathering focused on intercultural integration. Aligned with One Donegal Social Inclusion Week, the event showcased the region’s dedication to equality and belonging, while fostering collaboration and mutual learning among participants from across Europe.

One Donegal Social Inclusion Week, coordinated by Donegal County Council, celebrates the efforts of local authorities, community organisations, and statutory bodies in addressing social inclusion. Against this meaningful backdrop, the EU-Belong event brought together over 100 participants from Ireland and 10 European regions to discuss interculturalism, exchange knowledge, and explore regional policies for inclusion.

Day 1: Sharing Successes and Strategies

The first day, set the stage for deep discussions and meaningful exchanges. It featured a range of panels, workshops, and storytelling sessions that underscored both challenges and successes in advancing intercultural integration.

Donegal: a landscape of multiple collaborations

The morning began with an exploration of Donegal’s collaborative landscape, led by Fadl Mustapha. This session highlighted the work of:

• Charles Sweeney (Donegal County Council): Highlighting Donegal’s inclusive initiatives and the significance of Social Inclusion Week in building community connections.
• Denise McCool and Sinead McDaid (Inishowen Development Partnership): Sharing insights from the EU-Belong pilot project Supporting Pathways in Donegal, emphasising the importance of addressing bias and embracing diversity.
• Nolunga Shologu and Sheril Davies (CARA Donegal): Showcasing their pilot project Communities Against Racism Actions, which fosters dialogue between cultures to build mutual understanding.

Journeying towards equality and belonging: experiences from regions across Europe

The next session broadened its scope with stories from European regions, facilitated by Emanuela Pisanò:

• Agneta Kardos (Timiș County Council, Romania): Highlighting the role of the Timis Minority Council in promoting interculturalism.
• Marzio Barbieri (Regione Emilia-Romagna, Italy): Presenting street education initiatives to address youth gang challenges.
• Joakim Sandberg (Region Västerbotten, Sweden): Discussing strategies to retain residents and enhance rural region attractiveness.
• Agnieszka Szczepanik (Poznan, Poland): Exploring how public institutions can integrate interculturalist approaches to foster diversity.

Afternoon: Charting the course of intercultural policies & practices in Ireland

The afternoon focused on Ireland’s inclusive policies, moderated by AER Vice President Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh. Key speakers included:

• Geraldine McTavish (GAA): Sharing the Gaelic Athletic Association’s ambition to become a global leader in diversity and inclusion in sport.
• Sharon McLaughlin (Atlantic Technological University): Presenting strategies to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
• Carmel Irandoust (NETLOVE): Offering powerful reflections on combating racism and uniting humanity.

The day concluded with a dynamic peer-learning workshop led by Johanna Pacevicius, Agnese Pantaloni, and Simone Pettorruso (ICEI).

Day 2: Exploring Donegal’s Intercultural Achievements

Day two brought participants closer to the region’s community initiatives and history. A visit to Fort Dunree set the scene, offering insights into Donegal’s cultural heritage. This was followed by an exploration of the Inishowen Development Partnership’s pilot projects under the EU-Belong initiative, including an engaging intercultural coffee morning.

The Art of Belonging

At the Donegal Volunteer Centre, participants experienced and participated in the transformative One Million Stars project. One Million Stars Ireland project is an inclusive community arts project connecting communities across Ireland in solidarity against domestic abuse and all forms of violence. Through the art of star weaving, the project raises awareness around healthy relationships. Connecting communities through group star weaving workshops, One Million Stars Ireland project has worked with diverse groups.

Afternoon: Community Cornerstones: learning with and from stakeholders

The event concluded with a showcase of Donegal’s “Community Cornerstones,” facilitated by Johanna Pacevicius. Speakers represented a variety of impactful organisations:

• Donegal Intercultural Platform: Advocating for voting rights and empowering minorities to participate in decision-making processes.
• Donegal Travellers Project: Fighting for social justice and recognition of Traveller rights.
• Donegal Youth Service: Supporting youth empowerment and integration, particularly among Ukrainian youth.
• Donegal Volunteer Centre: Strengthening community connections through volunteering opportunities.
• Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC): Promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all residents.
• Donegal Regional Culture Centre: Highlighting cultural initiatives, including the One Million Stars project, that foster belonging.

Reflections and Gratitude

The EU-Belong Knowledge Sharing Event concluded with heartfelt thanks to Donegal County Council for their hospitality and commitment to inclusion. This gathering not only celebrated Donegal’s achievements but also inspired participants with new ideas to advance intercultural integration in their own regions.

About the project

EU-Belong is a 3-year project co-funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund of the European Union. Coordinated by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) within the framework of its Intercultural Regions Network (IRN), it is implemented in partnership with ten regional authorities from seven European countries: Arad and Timiș in Romania; Catalonia and Navarra in Spain; Donegal in Ireland; Emilia-Romagna in Italy; Leipzig in Germany; Pomerania and Poznan in Poland; Salzburg in Austria; and two technical partners: ART-ER Attrattività Ricerca Territorio and Istituto Economico Cooperazione Internazionale (ICEI).

Stay up to date with all updates by following EU-Belong on X/Twitter @EU_Belong
For questions, please contact Emanuela Pisanó, EU-Belong Project Manager at [email protected]