DiGiN Final Conference
The Final Conference of the CERV-funded DiGiN project will take place on 25 March 2026, hosted in Rotterdam, with the option to participate online.
Over the past two years, DiGiN has worked closely with municipalities across Europe to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion within municipal organisations. The project has focused on supporting institutional change through practical tools, peer learning and concrete interventions addressing inclusion in everyday organisational practices.
The DiGiN Final Conference will bring together municipal staff, DEI practitioners, policymakers, researchers and anyone interested in DEI in local government to:
- explore key project results and tools
- exchange experiences and practices from municipalities
- reflect on how inclusive workplaces can be embedded as a structural and long-term approach in public institutions
The programme will include an inspiring keynote, presentations of DiGiN outputs, moments for dialogue and exchange and networking at the end of the day.
Practical information
Date: 25 March 2026
Time: 13:00–17:00 CET (followed by networking)
Location (in person): Maaspodium, Sint-Jobsweg 3, 3024 EH Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Online participation: Available
Program highlights
- Opening act with Apinti drums
A powerful musical opening rooted in Suriname Maroon culture. - Keynote speech – Jerry King Luther Afriyie
Poet and human rights activist, reflecting on justice, inclusion and structural change. - Lessons from cities across Europe
Insights and experiences from the municipalities of Rotterdam, Ghent and Genoa, showcasing concrete DEI practices developed through the DiGiN project. - Music performance – Naseem Husam
Oud performance drawing on Palestinian musical heritage. - Spoken word Artist – Tilke Wouters
Spoken word performance connecting activism, vulnerability and inclusion. - Networking and drinks
An opportunity to connect, exchange and reflect with peers, both in person and online.
Participation is free of charge. Attendance is possible in person in Rotterdam or online, upon registration.
Speakers and performers
Jerry King Luther Afriyie
Jerry King Luther Afriyie is a poet and human rights activist, born in Bechem (Ghana) and based in the Netherlands since childhood. He co-founded the Nederland Wordt Beter movement and the Soul Rebel Movement foundation. In 2011, he helped launch the campaign Zwarte Piet is Racism and is a co-initiator of Kick Out Zwarte Piet and the Black Manifesto.
Tilke Wouters
Tilke Wouters is a DEI expert, artist and public speaker. They support organisations in developing diversity, equity and inclusion policies, with a strong focus on education through training, lectures, e-learning and playful learning. Tilke is also a slam poet, bringing vulnerable and activist texts to the stage.
Naseem Husam
Naseem Husam is a Palestinian refugee from Jenin and a self-taught musician specialising in Arabic music. He plays the oud and performs Palestinian heritage songs, using music to preserve and share Palestine’s rich cultural traditions.
