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Debate Night in Paris, Dakar and Montréal!

March 29, 2017
On March 24, the Debate Night was held simultaneously on three continents in three Observatory member cities.

More than 2,700 people participated in over 120 debates organized by residents, associations and community groups in ParisDakar and Montréal.

A spirit of open-mindedness and conviviality reigned at the event so that everyone could share their opinions with respect for the convictions of others. These exchanges were held in cafes, bars, community centres and other public places in each of the cities.

The evening’s theme was resident participation. For example, in Paris, participants debated ways to create a more community-based and sustainable world. In Dakar, residents discussed whethere Senegalese Islam still played a role of social and political regulator. And in Montréal, two families – one that has been in the city for a while and one that has just arrived – came together to discuss access to arts and culture. 

Debate Night, which was first held in Paris in March 2016, was launched as an initiative of the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. The concept aims to bring people together and strengthen Living Together, inclusiveness and participation in democratic life.

This second edition coincided with the French Language and Francophonie Week (in French). Debates were organized through the collaborative platforms of local resident organizations, such as KawaaMakeSense and Institut du Nouveau Monde in ParisDakar and Montréal, respectively. 

Learn more (in French) Paris | Dakar | Montréal