On 17 and 18 May, Chiara Gunella (Transmedia Catalonia research group, MILE partner) joined the International Conference “Tailoring Research and inclusion Strategies for vulnerable migrant contexts” in Palermo to represent the MILE project.
This International Conference was organised under the RAISD project that is funded through the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme and addresses the need for effective strategies for the attention and inclusion of distinctively Vulnerable Groups among Forcibly Displaced People.
The days provided inspiring exchanges on various methodologies, theories, and perspectives on inclusion strategies for vulnerable migrant contexts were explained and discussed with a cross-cultural and intergenerational group of stakeholders. Among the interventions, two were closely related to the MILE pillars and project structure and can provide inspiration for the MILE’s next steps.
- Cultural interference is paramount to providing positive support for the vulnerable groups among forcibly displaced people was the speech done by Debora Kayembe, a Human rights activist and Rector at the University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom). The focus of this speech was on the benefits of using transcultural competences in supporting migrants and refugees, as well as when conducting research on them and with them. In her speech, Debora Kayembe emphasized the necessity of reporting non-Eurocentric stories on migration, integration, and the African continent to prevent the dangers of a single-sided narrative. Read the full keynote
- In the speech Creating urban space for connections and collaboration, Fabio Massimo Lo Verde – University of Palermo (Italy) discussed how researchers studying inclusion policies should focus on the urban spaces occupied by migrants. In urban settings, migrants and refugees can demonstrate their position in society, their degree of involvement in social/cultural and political activities, and these data can provide insight into migrants’ inclusion into society. With the quote “Sameness stultifies the mind; diversity stimulates and expands it” by Richard Sennet, Fabio reminded the audience of the importance of promoting transcultural research teams to better understand diverse perceptions and ideas towards, for example, inclusion policies and democratic spaces. Watch the recording
To know more about the RAISD project: https://raisd-h2020.eu
To know more about the RAISD international final conference: https://raisd-h2020.eu/final-conference/
