This project, running from 2003-2006, establishes a network of European cities to discuss and exchange best practice around the themes of Diversity and Social Inclusion. It is led by Venice and includes Nottingham as a partner.

These themes constitute a key strand in the core issues of the URBAN programme with respect to:

• populations and neighbourhoods experiencing major difficulties, action to combat the economic, environmental and social difficulties with which they are faced and the concern for greater social cohesion in conurbations,
• an integrated approach involving a strong partnership with the inhabitants, the private sector, general interest services and other authorities,
• a working method that facilitates the spread of exchanges and knowledge.

A focus on Diversity and Inclusion seeks to recognise the continuing and changing face of urban deprivation and disadvantage.

This project is based on a number of key contextual factors and issues which seek to ensure that URBACT is able to deliver its key aim of increasing capacity and harnessing the "nuggets" of good practice that the URBAN initiative has facilitated in previous years, e.g.:

• The changing and continuing face of URBAN deprivation and disadvantage
• The congested policy canvas
• Institutional fatigue
• Multi-agency working
• The shift from homogeneous to diverse social groups

The project has the following objectives:

• Development and delivery of an Action Learning Exchange Programme (ALEP) for 300-350 key actors from the cities involved.
• Facilitation of a cross-sectoral, cross-discipline exchange – thus enabling more integrated approaches to tackling the themes of Diversity and Inclusion
• Development and dissemination of good practice and tools
• Establishment of a broad platform of cities which have Diversity and Inclusion as key needs in their urban regeneration programmes.
• Creation of an on line Mentoring and Coaching Service to cascade knowledge and good practice.

UDIEX website