Barrier-Free Finance Initiative’s Post

Great discussion on the critical value of a neurodiverse workforce!

It was a Tuesday afternoon in 2020 when a dear friend and former colleague was sat across from me in my living room in Amman. We were talking deeply about life, love, work, and systems of power and privilege. The conversation escalated into mutual (and not mutual) frustrations with the humanitarian aid system in which I was working at the time. In a moment of anger, he looked at me and said: "You don't even deserve your salary. Your entire career is predicated upon my suffering. You make money by talking about our pain. At least 50% should be given to me and your other friends from whose pain you profit." I sat, incredulous. I sat deep in thought, in guilt, in my own anger, in sadness, in conviction, and in a thousand impulses towards defensiveness (impulses which are to be explored in therapy, but not necessarily in every conversation with friends across lines of power and privilege). Even now, I have an urge to share my nuanced thoughts in response. But, I won't do that. I'll offer his comments, and my discomfort--a discomfort that lives and breathes within me and many others working in humanitarian aid, international development, and philanthropy. This leads me to my invitation. On November 11, Salama is honored to partner with Catalyst 2030 to host the host the next Shifting the Funding Paradigm "Conversations & Connections Café." Mark your calendars as we host a session on "Shining a Light on Barriers to Inclusion" as part of the Shifting the Funding Paradigm series. We will explore the barriers to inclusion of affected communities through four critical lenses: legal, normative, financial, and power dynamics. We’ll examine through brief case studies and practical examples how issues in these four areas promote exclusion and inequity, and how rethinking traditional funding models can help dismantle these barriers. Be prepared for discomfort with no immediate resolution. Session will be in Arabic and English, with peer translation in real-time amongst the speakers. ✨Date: November 11  🕔Time: 5 PM CET Sign up here:

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the six-day series of capacity-building webinars hosted by the expert teams of CIES and CGIL under Project Lime. These interactive sessions, held across Cyprus, Greece and Italy, brought together professionals and stakeholders dedicated to enhancing the socio-economic and cultural inclusion of Third Country Nationals (TCNs). The webinars achieved several key objectives. Participants gained valuable skills in network governance and management, empowering them to better support TCN integration into labor markets and social contexts. The sessions also fostered collaboration, creating a connected ecosystem of actors, resources, and skills designed to complement existing services for TCN inclusion. Additionally, participants developed new strategies for expanding outreach, enhancing their ability to effectively engage TCNs in both public and private integration services. We extend a sincere thank you to our dedicated partners at CIES and CGIL for their expertise and commitment, and to all participants who contributed to the success of these workshops. 👉 The consortium: CIES ONLUS, Italy Cgil di Roma e Lazio , Italy Programma integra , Italy alda* - European Association for Local Democracy , Italy CODECA Cy (Center for Social Cohesion, Development and Care) , Cyprus Agenzia Lavoro Speha Fresia, Italy Roma Capitale, Italy ΣΕΒΕ-SEVE GREEK EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION, Greece PwC Greece #Integration #Migrants #Inclusion #Work #Europe #MEIC #AMILProject #AMIF #MigrantIntegration #Inclusion #Work #Training #Solidarity

The 17th European Platform for Roma Inclusion, organised by the European Commission, took place in Brussels. The meeting focused on Roma equality, inclusion and participation in territorial planning and development. The aim was to produce recommendations on optimising the use of EU and national funds for the benefit of Roma communities, including Cohesion Policy programmes, and Recovery and Resilience Plans. Participants also explored ways to strengthen the cooperation of EU, national, regional and local actors in implementing Roma equality and social inclusion policies, in particular the national Roma strategic frameworks, European Committee of the Regions. #EURights #EU4Roma

The 17th European Platform for Roma Inclusion, organised by the European Commission, took place in Brussels. 🏛️ The meeting focused on Roma equality, inclusion and participation in territorial planning and development 🌍. The aim was to develop recommendations for the optimal use of EU and national resources for the benefit of Roma communities, including cohesion policy programmes and the Recovery and Resilience Plan. 💶📈 We also looked at how to strengthen cooperation between EU, national, regional and local actors to implement Roma equality and social inclusion policies, in particular in relation to the National Roma Strategic Frameworks and the European Committee of the Regions. 🤝📋 #EURights #EU4Roma 🌍

"With 16% of the world’s population living with disabilities, inclusion isn’t optional—it’s essential. From planning to partnerships, every project must embed inclusion at every stage."

🌟 Building the Future of Rehabilitation in Thailand! 🌟 On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Prof. Areerat Suputtitada and ISPRM President Gerard Francisco discuss the "Future World Initiative" – a visionary plan to create a Center of Excellence for PRM in Thailand with global collaboration and ISPRM support.

The World Roma Federation (WRF) continues to serve as the resounding voice of the global Roma community, advocating for their rights and ensuring their inclusion on the international stage. It is with great pride that we highlight our active participation in the prestigious High Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2024. Since 2019, the WRF has embarked on a transformative journey, diligently working towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under SDG 17. This particular goal focuses on fostering global partnerships for sustainable development, a crucial aspect in ensuring the well-being and progress of Roma communities worldwide. The HLPF 2024 provided an invaluable platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. It was an opportunity to engage with esteemed policymakers, influential stakeholders, and representatives from various sectors, all united in their commitment to achieving the SDGs. Throughout the forum, there was a notable emphasis on two key instruments: Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and partnership programs aimed at leaving no one behind. Public-Private Partnerships have emerged as a powerful mechanism to address complex societal challenges, leveraging the strengths and expertise of both public and private entities. By forging strategic alliances, we can harness resources, knowledge, and innovation to drive sustainable development efforts forward. The HLPF 2024 underscored the significance of these partnerships in advancing the Roma community's goals and aspirations. Additionally, the notion of leaving no one behind has become a guiding principle in the pursuit of sustainable development. This inclusive approach recognizes the unique needs and vulnerabilities of marginalized communities, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their rights are upheld. The partnership programs highlighted during the forum exemplify this commitment, striving to create equal opportunities and empower every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. The World Roma Federation remains unwavering in its dedication to championing the rights and well-being of the Roma community. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we endeavor to foster a world that celebrates diversity, promotes social justice, and embraces the full potential of every individual. The HLPF 2024 served as a significant milestone in our journey, reinforcing our resolve to advocate for the Roma community and contribute to the realization of a more equitable and sustainable future for all. #UnleashingPotential #CreatingChange #BuildingTogether #EmpoweringCommunities #TransformingLives #InclusionMatters #ChampioningRights #GlobalSolidarity #SustainableFuture #RomaPride

Please join me Seramount Maria Town TANENBAUM Insight Into Diversity Insight Education National Council on Disability AARP Kathy Martinez Marcie Roth in sharing this series of weekly posts from our Inclusion Allies Coalition that is countering the baseless attacks on equity and inclusion with facts and examples. You can do that by reposting with your thoughts and sharing with your networks. #equitymatters #disabilityinclusion #a11y

Equity. It’s not complex. Yet it takes intention. Simply, Equity refers to fair treatment for all people, so that the norms, practices, and policies in place ensure identity is not predictive of opportunities or outcomes. Here’s a great example posted by Inclusion Allies Coalition. #Inclusion #Equity #Fairness #DEI #InclusionMatters #DivesityMatters #EquityMatters