Dallas to host 2024 Welcoming Interactive conference
DALLAS – The City of Dallas will host the Welcoming Interactive conference, a gathering of participants from around the world advancing resilience, inclusion, equity and justice.
The Interactive, to be held April 10 through 12, 2024, is an annual conference that attracts worldwide leaders to share practices and inspiring stories about immigrant inclusion and partnerships in economic development, civic engagement, government leadership and more.
“Dallas is a welcoming, international city where we regard our diversity as a strength,” Mayor Eric L. Johnson said. “More than 90 languages are spoken in Dallas, and we attract visitors from all over the world with an amazing culinary scene, top-notch accommodations, a renowned arts district, and the second-busiest international airport in the world. Dallas is also one of 16 cities selected to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We look forward to welcoming conference participants to Dallas in 2024!”
In 2017, the City of Dallas established Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs (WCIA) to advance the social, economic, and civic inclusion of immigrant and refugee residents. In collaboration with community partners, Dallas City Council unanimously adopted the Welcoming Dallas Strategic plan, which addresses systemic barriers and promotes initiatives such as naturalization, language accessibility, and economic empowerment. These endeavors have been complemented by the 2022 Racial Equity Plan.
The City of Dallas became the first city in Texas to receive the Certified Welcoming designation in 2019. The Welcoming Interactive serves as a milestone for communities, especially those with a Certified Welcoming designation, to demonstrate how communities can strategically align priorities and embrace welcoming and inclusive values.
“We are excited that the Welcoming Interactive 2024 is coming to Dallas,” said City Manager T.C. Broadnax. “Dallas’ welcoming efforts are part of a strategic framework moving us forward as a dynamic, international city. In recognition of the important role that immigrants play in our economy and community, Dallas is committed to advancing inclusion and equity so that all can thrive.”
To view a video highlighting diverse community in Dallas, click here.
“We are thrilled that the City of Dallas will host our growing global movement of welcoming communities for the 2024 Welcoming Interactive,” said Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America. “We look forward to shining a light on the policies and practices that have earned Dallas the designation of a Certified Welcoming city, and to bringing hundreds of peer communities to the city to learn, connect and deepen their efforts to build places where all people, including immigrants, can thrive, belong and prosper.”
