Representation at EU conference on social inclusion

F.O.I. Human Resources and Social Policy Working Group member Fleur Farrugia participated as an employers' adviser at the Danish EU Presidency Conference entitled "Social Inclusion - through Social Dialogue and Partnership", held in Skagen, Denmark, on September 5 and 6.

The aim of this tripartite conference was threefold:

¤ it was primarily aimed at developing a common understanding of social inclusion between employers, government and employees' representatives;

¤ to identify ways to spread the responsibility for the co-influence on implementing EU visions of social inclusion to the relevant players; and

¤ to try to establish how social inclusion can form part of the practical implementation of the objectives of higher employment, social cohesion and equal opportunities in the sphere of labour-market policy, social affairs and gender equality.

The conference was opened by Henriette Kjaer, Danish Minister for Social Affairs and Gender Equality, who stated that social inclusion through social dialogue and partnership has been the overall theme for all activities planned during the Danish Presidency in the spheres of social affairs, gender equality and labour market policy. It is a major challenge to build an inclusive society that respects diversity and has room for everyone.

Different themes formed the subject of four sessions representing different approaches to increase social inclusion. These included:

¤ local employment strategies for social inclusion;

¤ from exclusion to inclusion;

¤ equal opportunities and diversity - tools for inclusiveness and social dialogue; and

¤ inclusion through legislation and/or social dialogue.

The conference concluded that social inclusion was important because the identity and well-being of each individual largely depends on the interaction with other people. When an individual feels left out of a larger community, this may lead to loneliness, loss of identity and social exclusion.

Social and labour market policies helped to integrate individuals and groups in society and counteract social exclusion and polarisation, and also contribute to solidarity in society and social integration.