Voices of Europe Symposium Calls for Inclusive Policy Design, Better Funding, and Stronger Community Collaboration

Galway, Ireland — 24/11/2025

Community leaders, policymakers, service providers, and residents gathered in Galway on Thursday, 20 November for the Communicating Europe & US Symposium – Voices of Europe, organised by GOCOM Radio and AmdalahAfrica Foundation (AMDAF). Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the event created an open platform for discussion on language, integration, human rights, and the lived experiences of Ireland’s diverse communities. Music on the day was performed by Travis Bray-Downing (aka Captain Catbeard).

“Europe Needs Every Voice” — Opening Message
In her keynote, Islammiyah Saudique-Kadejo, CEO of GOCOM Radio and Convener of the Symposium, emphasised the need for systems to keep pace with Europe’s growing diversity. She stated:

“Representation is not a luxury. Silence is dangerous.
Stories build empathy, and empathy builds communities.
The future must be shaped by everyone who calls this continent home.”

Keynote Speaker Dr. Deirdre Curran, Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the University of Galway, urged leaders to invest in resources and move beyond symbolic gestures, and “be the change you want to see.”

Panelists highlighted the need to work with schools to reduce cultural misunderstandings, provide accurate information to counter racism, consult visa-holding students, migrant workers, and include asylum seekers in policymaking. They also talked about need to simplify complex funding applications, ensure respectful treatment in workplaces, and recognise family reunification as a human right,

Speakers acknowledged progress made by state agencies while calling for long-term, sustainable investment.

The symposium welcomed representatives including:
Cllr. Uruemu Adejinmi, the Cathaoirleach of Longford; Cllr. Helen Ogbu, Galway East; Anne Cassidy, SICAP Senior Manager, Galway Rural Development; Galway City & County Councils; Galway City Partnership; and other community groups.

Contributors included Pamela Mncube-Zokli, Sai Gujulla, Dr. Malie Coyne, Dr. Melanie McGovern, HUman Right Lawyer Lorraine Lllay, SOngwriter and singer Travis Bray-Downing, and Midwife Agnes Kortey who shared lived experiences of identity, belonging, and migration.

Cllr. Adejinmi called for more cross-cultural projects, while Jenny Swannock highlighted Galway County Council’s resettlement support for 254 migrants, stressing the need for stable funding. Faozia Moqbel, Gráinne Ní Eidhin, Oliver Lydon, Ronan Melia, and Vusi Thabethe raised issues related to funding cycles, language access, digital literacy, and bias.

The symposium closed with a renewed commitment to building an Ireland where diversity is valued and every voice is heard. The Panels were hosted by Esther Abbah, a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, Islammiyah Saudique-Kadejo, and Jason Brown, Progrmme Manager GOCOM Radio. And hosted by Moradeunn Oduwole, Janaina Benicio, and Islammiyah Saudique-Kadejo (The Radiogal).