Venue: House of Literature and the Nobel Peace Center, Oslo, Norway

On 27th and 28th of October in Oslo, The British Council and the Norwegian Directorate of Integration and Diversity invited experts from the U.S. England and Norway to debate on how we live together in our progressively diverse societies.

Footage of the debates and presentations are now available at the British Council's website

The debates started off on the subject matter of cities and how to bring different communities together and create equal chances and opportunities for all regardless of their differences. The speakers focused on how to view diversity as a resource rather than a problem, but at the same time addressing the challenges.

Professor in Philosophy, Lord Bhikhu Parekh, shared his thoughts on the role of politics and policies, its rhetoric and its relation to fostering common belonging in diverse societies. Placing it in a historical context with emphasis on Christianity in Europe and its politics, he asked the question: Who defines the concept of norm in regards to diversity and difference in a society?

Together with the Deputy Mayor of London, Richard Barnes, he also emphasized the importance of education, even at an early stage in life, to promote reciprocal understanding and appreciation for differences rather than just tolerance.

Trevor Phillips, chair of The Human Rights Commission UK, stressed the issue of how the system and the strategy of “doing more of what is already being done” in relation to discrimination, is not working. He expressed that there is a need for new rules on how to negotiate the terms of difference and diversity.

On the 2nd and final day of the conference, representatives from the Department of Health in the UK (the largest employer of minorities in Europe) and the Health sector in Norway, came together to discuss the challenges and initiatives taken to eliminate discrimination and how to create access for all in public services. Although this being a tremendous challenge, documented results from measures undertaken showed many positive examples of how good practice has been developed regarding access and equity.