SIRG-conference 'New labour markets for inclusion' (Brussel)

The Extremadura Region and West Sweden Brussels Office, both members of the Social Inclusion Regional Group (SIRG) 2010, are planning to organise a conference showcasing regional best practices in promoting Inclusive Labour Markets and thereby contributing to the fight against poverty and social exclusion within Member States. 

Established in 2009 by the regional representations of North East England, Flanders, Oslo, Venice, and West Sweden, the 2010 Social Inclusion Regional Group (SIRG) is helping to bring together local and regional actors to make their views heard on the European stage.   The European Commission has already voiced its strong support for our initiative and all of our events will be officially accredited under the banner of the European Year for combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and speakers from relevant units in the Commission will be taking an active role. 

The “New labour markets for inclusion” conference, taking place on 7 June and organised by our offices, will highlight the key role that regions play in preventing poverty and social exclusion by promoting inclusive labour markets. The seminar will be part of a conference series organised by a group of European regions who have decided to join forces to make the most of the European Year 2010. Please find attached the preliminary draft agenda for the conference on 7 June and for the launch event of the SIRG on 23 February,  as well as the introduction document to the SIRG. 

Inclusive Labour Markets is only one of the five priority areas around which the SIRG will organise conferences on during 2010. The issues of Child Poverty, Access to Decent Housing and Services, Non-discrimination, Financial Exclusion and Over-indebtedness are the other challenges that the regions will address during the year. These conferences will offer opportunities for all regions to showcase our expertise to make this a reality in particular for our most vulnerable in society.We know that this subject is of interest to many other regions local authorities in Europe and we would therefore  like to organise a meeting with interested regions to discuss their contribution to make this a conference „owned“ by the regions.  

The meeting will be held on Monday 15 February at 10:00 at the West Sweden Office on Rue du Luxembourg 3. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are planning to attend and if you are interested in the project. 

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