International Unity in Diversity Conference 2009

People,the Workforce & the Future of Australia

Rydges Southbank Townsville Hotel & Convention Centre, Townsville

12 - 14 August 2009

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

 As the new millennium unfolds it presents challenges for the global community such as the economic crisis, climate change, energy and water shortages, human rights, mental health, international conflict, refugee crisis and skill shortages, which affect all of humanity regardless of who or where we are in the world.

These issues require an urgent need for collaboration, communication and cooperation across cultural, religious and ideological barriers.

This is the second International Unity in Diversity Conference which will continue the deliberations of the highly successful inaugural event in 2008.

Drawing together an expert panel of presenters, the conference will:

• Explore the potential benefits of diversity that bring rich outcomes and possibilities
• Develop a unified, cohesive approach to address the current and emerging global crisis
• Consider how cultural diversity must be seen as a key platform of the Government's agenda for social inclusion development

With the help of a Steering Committee made up of a leaders of education, community and business fields, and a partnership with James Cook University and Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, the program is designed to highlight speakers, panels and networking opportunities to best enhance diversity, culture and people management.

While the conference will not adhere to any particular theoretical or ideological framework, it seeks to bring diverse interest groups together to discuss emerging challenges in:

• Global transition and migration of labour skills
• Regional impacts of the recent global crisis
• Australian skill shortage
• communication across cultural, religious and ideological barriers
• Recognition of Australia's first people
• Interfaith activities including Australia's Indigenous heritage
• Migrant settlement services
• Culturally inclusive local government
• Mental health issues for migrants and children of culturally diverse families
• Education for peace and unity
• Redefining multiculturalism
• School based community education programs
• Culturally appropriate curriculum development
• Youth issues and empowerment
• Community and cultural expression as a model for group and individual development

Important Dates:

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The International Unity in Diversity Conference is suitable for business leaders and multicultural stakeholders and is also aimed at people involved in:

• Government
• Educational institution
• Community organizations
• Cultural organizations
• Religious groups
• Migrant settlement professionals
• Business who employ workers from overseas
• People who want to sponsor workers from overseas
• Business

Conference Administration:

Dr Farvardin Daliri

Phone: +61 7 4772 4800

Mob.  :  +61 (0) 414 356 875

E-mail: Farvardin.Daliri@bigpond.com or Shevindi@townsville-mrc.org