Kawartha Lakes joins the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities

On December 5, 2023, the Canadian Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) congratulated Kawartha Lakes on joining the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, an initiative fostering diversity, equality and inclusivity across Canadian municipalities.
Joining more than 110 municipalities across Canada, Kawartha Lakes is now an integral part of the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR), a worthy initiative launched by UNESCO in 2004. As a member, Kawartha Lakes now has access to a network of Canadian municipalities that can help to identify tools, best practices and resources for combating discrimination. This will contribute to our role as policy maker and guarantor of human rights.
“Kawartha Lakes is committed to the fight against racism and discrimination,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “We hope that our commitment will inspire other municipalities to follow suit and collaborate in promoting inclusive communities and equality for all. We eagerly look forward to sharing updates on the initiatives and events organized by our municipality with the Coalition.”
Kawartha Lakes and the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities
During the June 6, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting, a report by Christine Briggs, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Partner, asked Council to give authorization for the Mayor to sign the declaration to join UNESCO’s Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities. The coalition is a network where members can share their experiences and undertake initiatives together to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
Will this influence the racists among us? Do they read or become aware of UNESCO? Sign all the declarations you can think of…Acceptance is not tolerance.