Discrimination and equal opportunities are the themes of a European Conference to convene in Berlin on January 30-31 in conjunction with the first European Equal Opportunities Summit. The events officially mark the start of the German EU Presidency and together with the European Commission, launch the "European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, 2007." Federal German Minister Ursula von der Leyen and the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, and Equal Opportunities, Vladimír Špidla, formally opened the Conference today before an international audience of approximately 500 high-level participants from the research, administrative and government communities.
"The strength of Europe is its diversity. We want to use this year to jointly focus public awareness on the topics of equal opportunities and diversity", said the Federal Minister in her opening remarks.
"Here, my concern is primarily directed at four groups: the elderly, the youth, the migrants, and the young women:
1. The EU population will experience a drop of 20 million in the pool of employable persons over the age of 20 over the next 25 years. It is absolutely essential that we establish a new image of aging, one that includes participation and a shared responsibility with older people as well as one that recognizes the economic and innovative power of the elderly in the context of lifelong learning," said von der Leyen.
2. "In the area of children and youth, who represent the mainstay of the future social and economic well-being of Europe, equal opportunities means, above all, access to quality education – also for those who need a second chance."
3. Europe can benefit from the various skills of its migrant population. "Equal opportunities for this group are only achievable through adequate language support programs beginning at the earliest possible age and a decisive commitment to the fight against racism and xenophobia."
4. "More women in leadership positions, the active support of self-employed women, the break-down of the persistent differences in pay as well as an improved reconciliation of work and family life are the important milestones along the path to real equal opportunities for both men and women."
In addition to the opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Rita Süßmuth, former President of the German Bundestag and a presentation of actual Euro-barometer survey results, the conference agenda includes discussion periods and time for the various working groups. Federal Minister von der Leyen is scheduled to take part in the discussion group "Make equal opportunities a reality", where the aim is to develop the key factors for the implementation of equal opportunities. The agenda item, "Increasing the advantages of diversity", planned for day 2 of the conference, concentrates on the exchange of experiences concerning proven practices. Four other working groups will discuss the major topics of the year: Rights, Representation, Recognition, and Respect.
Adding a final note to the conference, the State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth, Gerd Hoofe, and Nikolaus van der Pas, European Commission Director General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, will provide their summaries of the event.
More information about the conference agenda is available online at: www.bmfsfj.de/eu
The "European Year of Equal Opportunities for All 2007", is intended to promote a new impulse in the EU to allow people who until now have not had the chance to develop their potential and skills to do so now. The majority of activities organized around the four main topics of the working groups under the banner of the European Year 2007 will take place at the national, regional, and local levels.
At the European level, financed activities include:
More information about the content and the events in the "European Year of Equal Opportunities for all 2007" is available online at: http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/eyeq/index.cfm
Under the guiding principle, "Seize demographic change as an opportunity and promote equal opportunities for all at work and in society", the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth is committed to the following points in the course of the EU presidency 2007:
1. Strengthen families: more children in families and more families in society
2. Promote equal opportunities for women and men at work and in family life
3. Experience shapes the future: Recognise opportunities – use knowledge and experience – develop new markets
4. Strive for equal opportunities and social participation for all children and young people
More information about these topics and the events associated with the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs under the German EU Presidency is available online at: www.bmfsfj.de/eu
