Nobel Peace Prize winner, indigenous peoples and women’s rights activist Rigoberta Menchú was the keynote speaker at the CEMR conference on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

In an exclusive interview with the CEMR, Menchú explained that the conference was a “great opportunity because those who participated in this conference are local government representatives, who are directly linked to the population, to education, to citizen participation and especially to the application of the concepts of equality, diversity and inclusion.”

Speaking on the theme of the conference, the Nobel Peace Prize winner stated: “I believe that today, the world needs extraordinary platforms to work on such transcendental topics as respect for diversity, inclusion and above all the will of citizens, so that they integrate these values in their everyday attitude.”

Local elected representatives taking part in the conference presented concrete examples on how to integrate minorities and to achieve more equal societies. On achieving and ensuring equality and inclusion in societies, Menchú stated that the role of municipalities is essential. She also stressed the importance of initiatives that arise from the development of municipalities, such as those promoting gender equality. Menchú also noted that investment in education is a key tool in combating discrimination, and to build inclusive and diverse communities.

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