Liverpool City Council has welcomed a delegation from Japan to share how the city is working to build stronger, more connected and inclusive communities.
The visit on Wednesday 23 September was part of the Multicultural Communities Policy Exchange Programme, which brings together local government representatives to learn from different approaches to community cohesion and social integration.
The delegation heard how Liverpool’s long history as a port city has shaped its communities, with migration playing an important part in the city’s identity.
They also heard about some of the work taking place across the council to support people from different backgrounds and strengthen connections between communities.
This included Our Liverpool, the council’s work to support refugees, people seeking sanctuary and migrant communities, as well as Liverpool’s developing Social Cohesion Strategy which is exploring how the city can strengthen four key areas, including trust and confidence, safety and resilience, community voice and representation and belonging and integration
The programme also included a look at Liverpool’s Anti-Racism Strategy, which was shaped through engagement with more than 1,600 people across the city, and the This is Liverpool campaign, which celebrates the diversity of Liverpool’s communities and encourages people to stand against racism.
Delegates heard how the council is using clear, evidence-based information to tackle misinformation, particularly around migration and asylum, and working with trusted organisations and partners to help accurate information reach people.
Learning from each other
The visit was also an opportunity for Liverpool colleagues to hear about the experiences and approaches of local government representatives from Japan.
Ayaka, one of the delegates, said the group had learned a great deal from Liverpool’s approach to working with diverse communities, particularly how the council works with local communities and partners to build trust, tackle challenges and create a more inclusive city.
“We have learned a lot from Liverpool’s approach to building stronger communities. It has been really valuable to hear about the city’s experience and the different ways you work with communities, particularly around inclusion, trust and communication.”
The discussions also gave Liverpool colleagues the opportunity to hear about the experiences and approaches of local government representatives from Japan.
While communities and local government systems may be different, the discussions highlighted some shared challenges, including how to strengthen trust, give communities a voice, respond to misinformation and help people feel connected to where they live.
The exchange provided an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and consider what can be learned from different approaches around the world.
By sharing our experiences and listening to others, we can continue learning about how to build stronger communities and make Liverpool a welcoming city where people feel safe, valued and connected.
