Hot on the heels of the 4th European Transgender Conference, Dublin will again play host to equality activists from across Europe when the 16th Annual ILGA-Europe Conference comes to town from the 18th October until the 21st.

The Annual Conference is one of the main events on the calendar of the European section of the International Lesbian and Gay Associaiton (ILGA). This is the place where ILGA-Europe’s member organisations debate current issues, discuss challenges, learn from each other, and also plan their way forward.

This year, the conference is all about the economic crisis and its impact on advancing equality for LGBTI people. Or lack thereof.

There will be some big guns speaking at the event, including  An Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, the Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks, Latvian Minister for Welfare Ilze Viņķele and Human Rights activist Mary Lawlor.

Welcoming the Conference to Dublin, Lord Mayor Andrew Montague, stated:

I wanted to express my delight that you have chosen Dublin for your 2012 conference and, as you prepare for the conference, I wanted to extend a warm Céad Míle Fáilte to you all.

Dublin is an open, diverse, and welcoming city. People from all over the world have come to make their homes here. LGBT people have made a great contribution to our vibrant and progressive city, a contribution which I, as Lord Mayor, on behalf of the people of Dublin truly value. The annual Pride Parade is now the second largest in the city after the St Patrick’s Day Parade!

As Lord Mayor of Dublin, I am strongly committed to equality for all, both as a matter of social justice and to ensure full participation in the social, cultural, community and economic life of our city. There are also wider economic competitive advantages for a city or a country that is diverse, open and welcoming. I was delighted to speak at a conference on these themes of equality, diversity and economic competitiveness, organised by Dublin City Council and GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) last year. It is, therefore, very interesting and timely to see that the theme of your conference this year is Advancing LGBTI Equality in Challenging Economic Times.

I know that the situation for lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender people has improved considerably in Ireland and in many other countries over the last few decades but that too many people continue to face discrimination and oppression on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Your work addressing these issues is of critical importance and to be commended.

I wish you all the best in your Conference deliberations and I hope you truly enjoy your stay in Dublin.

What? The 16th Annual ILGA-Europe Conference

Where? The Ballsbridge Hotel, Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

When? October 18-21

Check it all out online

On Twitter? The hastag for the Conference is #ILGAEuropeDublin2012