Inclusiveness and Australian diversity

The Building Inclusive Societies forum held in Melbourne on 7 October 2011 was organised under the auspices of the United Nations’ Association of Civilizations (UNAOC) by Deakin University and the ECCV (Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria).

Formed out of the 2000 Millennium Declaration, the UNAOC’s goals include enhancing international solidarity, reducing social exclusion, combating discrimination, and improving the human condition. The Melbourne IBIS Forum focused primarily on migration and more specifically the integration of migrants in order to build an inclusive Australian society.

SBS journalist Manpreet Singh spoke to some of the key participants in the forum to explore their views about inclusiveness and Australian diversity.

Interview with Pino Migliorino, Chair FECCA

Interview with Professor Fethi Mansouri, Deakin University

Interview with Senator Kate Lundy, Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Interview with Nick Kotsiris, Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship

Interview with Emeritus Professor Gary Bouma (UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and Intercultural Relations – Asia Pacific)

Interview with Sam Afra, Chair ECCV

Interview with President Jorge Sampaio (UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, and former President of Portugal)