On 13 and 14 June 2024, the International Centre in Graz welcomed a delegation from the Finnish Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Justice, and Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. The purpose of the visit was to exchange expertise and experiences in preventing racism and advancing human rights at the local level.
The visit started at our Centre where we engaged in an insightful exchange on the Good Relations Model currently applied in Finland, the work by the European Coalition of Cities against Racism, and the benefits of a multi-level governance approach to anti-discrimination policies at the municipal level.
Following this, the delegation toured the permanent exhibition “Worlds – Change – Perspectives” at the “Volkskundemuseum”, where they explored contemporary societal and cultural issues such as globalisation, climate change, and the Covid-19 pandemic. The exhibition focused on the diverse life experiences and perspectives of people in Styria while reflecting on historical contexts to understand the present and the background of Graz as a Human Rights City.
After gaining insights into the Styrian population, the delegation met with key local stakeholders in anti-discrimination work, who are members of the Human Rights City Council of Graz. In a lively discussion moderated by Isabella Meier of the International Centre, they exchanged their experiences and successful practices for preventing various forms of discrimination at the local level.
© Markus Möstl
The visit concluded on 14 June with a meeting at the City Hall, where Mayor Elke Kahr and City Councilor for Integration Robert Krotzer discussed workplace discrimination, diversity in the job market, and housing policies with the delegation.
We look forward to continued exchange and cooperation with our partners in Finland.
