“Togetherness in Difference” is the theme for the international Metropolis Conference that the Minister of Local Government will be hosting in Oslo. More than 600 participants from a number of countries all over the world will attending the conference that opens on Monday, September 9 and will last all week. The future of the multicultural society is a burning question in all parts of the world, and especially in larger cities.

How do we lead a good life with the diversity of today’s society? That is one of the biggest challenges of our time, one which has become especially visible after the dramatic happenings on September 11 in the USA last year.

Which characteristics does a well-functioning multi-cultural society have? This is the main challenge the conference will focus on. Any society needs an apparatus, or systems, to handle the challenges of integration and diversities.

Globalisation has found its way in the large cities today. Which role will the cities play when it comes to shaping the diverse societies of tomorrow?

The main speech at the opening on Monday, September 9, is by the world famous professor in sociology, Dr. Zygmunt Bauman, who will talk about «City of Fears. Urban Life in a Double Bind of Individualisation and Globalisation». Bauman is one of those who has contributed to create the term «post-modernism».

Gender-related themes will be approached throughout the conference. The main speech on Tuesday, September 10, is by Dr. Iris Young, Professor in Political Science from the University of Chicago, who will talk about «Inclusion, Democracy and Gender».

On Wednesday, September 11, Dr. Paul Gilroy, Professor at Yale University, will speak about «September 11, One Year After».

The main theme on Thursday, September 12, is about immigration and the city. Dr. Michael J. Dear, Professor at University of Southern California, will speak about experiences from Los Angeles, while Dr. Hartmunt Haüssermann, Professor at Humbolt University, will give us a view of «The European City».

The main goal for the Metropolis Conference is to create a common meeting place for scientists, politicians, authorities, non-governmental organisations and people who work directly with matters concerning international migration and ethnic relations.

The Metropolis co-operation was initiated by the Canadians. The Canadian Minister of Multi-Culturalism and Equality will participate throughout the week.

Politicians from the cities of Rotterdam, Vienna and Oslo will also be attending the conference.

The Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is hosting and arranging the conference, co-operating with the Research Council of Norway, University of Bergen/IMER, the city of Oslo, the Directorate for Immigration and the International Steering Committee for Metropolis.

More information about the 7 ^th> Metropolis Conference can be found here.