Erlangen Diversity Conference on June 24, 2026: What Brings Us Together

For more information on the Erlangen Diversity Conference, click here.

Erlangen Diversity Week

This week, the signatories of the Erlangen Declaration for Diversity, Respect, and Tolerance are celebrating diversity in all its facets: from human diversity and cultural distinctiveness to biodiversity and the German Constitution.

The following events will take place:

May 17

Street Festival & Rally for IDAHOBITA* (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia)

2:00–5:00 p.m., Hugenottenplatz

May 17

Collage Design Workshop: “How Do We Want to Live Together?”

11 a.m.–5 p.m., Erlangen City Museum, Martin-Luther-Platz 9

Participants will create collages addressing the questions: “How do we want to live together? What should our society be like, and how should it develop?” These collages will be collected in time capsules and are expected to be exhibited in 2027.

May 18

Mediterranean Refugee Route: A Discussion on the Current Situation with the Regional Group of Alarmphone Watch the med

7:00 p.m., Kreuz + Quer, Bohlenplatz 1

To mark European Maritime Day, members of the Erlangen/Nuremberg group of Alarmphone will report on their sea rescue work and share their current perspective on the situation in European waters for people fleeing their homes.

Registration at bildung.evangelisch-er@elkb.de is welcome

May 19

Cooking Evening: Climate-Friendly Neighborhood Cooking

6–9 p.m., vhs Lesecafé, Haupstraße 55 (Altstadtmarktpassage)

The Climate-Friendly Neighborhood Kitchen
offers a monthly opportunity to cook together in a friendly setting, enjoy a delicious meal, and learn a lot
about how we can eat in a more climate-friendly way.

May 19

“God Dwells Only in Tents—Marking the 80th Anniversary of Leonhard Ragaz’s Death”

7:30–9:00 p.m., Kreuz + Quer, Bohlenplatz 1

The central concern of theologian Leonhard Ragaz was the liberation of humanity—from economic, social, and spiritual dependencies. Drawing on the vision of the “Kingdom of God,” he developed a vision of a just and peaceful society in which people treat one another with dignity.

May 19

FLINTA* Discussion Panel

6:00–7:30 p.m., Erlangen Women’s Center, Gerberei 4

Discussion group on feminist topics for women, lesbians, and inter and agender people.

May 19

STI Checkpoint

Queer people and allies can get a free screening for sexually transmitted infections. The screening includes an HIV and syphilis lab test, a swab and/or urine test for gonorrhea and chlamydia, or the full PrEP screening.

Registration (including anonymously) is available at 0911 2309035. More information is available here: https://www.aidshilfe-nuernberg.de/de/veranstaltung/checkpoint-goes-queeres-zentrum-erlangen-0

May 20

U20 Poetry Slam

6:30 p.m., E-Werk, Kellerbühne, Fuchsenwiese 1

Hosted and organized by Kathi Mock and Cris Ortega, six young poets will each have six minutes to make the audience think, laugh, or cry with their original texts (no singing, no props).

May 22

Climate Puzzle Workshop – Understanding Climate Change and Finding Solutions

3:00–6:30 p.m., vhs Lesecafé, Haupstraße 55 (Altstadtmarktpassage)

The Climate Puzzle taps into the group’s collective intelligence as participants learn about climate change together.

Please register at: www.vhs-erlangen.de

Why an “Erlangen Declaration” in the first place?

Today, Erlangen is a modern, diverse, and vibrant city. Every day, people in numerous organizations work to strengthen our sense of community. Through the active engagement of civil society, the business community, and public institutions, our city contributes to a vibrant democracy and sustainability. These stakeholders want to work together to champion a vibrant, democratic, and diverse community.

The Values

Fundamental to this are the dignity of every human being, fundamental and human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of expression within legal boundaries. Added to this is the pursuit of social justice and a life free from discrimination for all people. This is underpinned by: respect for the diversity of human identities; equal opportunities and avenues for participation; and support based on solidarity.

The Goals

The signatories actively embody these values within their organizations and advocate for them externally.

Collaboration

The Erlangen Declaration provides a network for learning with and from one another through mutual exchange. Together, effective measures can be developed to make Erlangen’s urban community an even better place to live for everyone.

In principle, the declaration is open to all organizations based in Erlangen that identify with its values and goals and are interested in collaborating. Companies, associations, research institutions, and groups are welcome to join the network.

If you would like to sign the Erlangen Declaration, you can fill out the expression of interest form here.

Expression of Interest Process:

New organizations are communicated to the network of signatories at regular intervals. In the event of concerns raised by existing signatories, an internal review committee may be convened to confidentially deliberate on and decide regarding the individual case.

Individuals are not eligible to participate. Organizations classified as confirmed extremist groups by the Bavarian State Office for the Protection of the Constitution or the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution are excluded from signing.

The following organizations have already signed the “Erlangen Declaration”:

A ADFC Erlangen / Erlangen-Höchstadt Regional Chapter, Amnesty International Erlangen, Angerinitiative e. V., Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Erlangen-Höchstadt Regional Association e. V., Medical Society for Health Promotion e. V., ATSV 1898 Erlangen e.V., Advisory Board for Foreigners and Integration, AWO Erlangen-Höchstadt District Association e.V., Aktion Courage, Albert Schweitzer High School Erlangen

B Erlangen Women’sEmergency Helpline , ZAM e.V. Operating Association, Evangelical Education, Bavarian Red Cross Erlangen-Höchstadt, Brücken e. V., Erlangen Association for Freedom of Thought (K.d.ö.R.), BDKJ Erlangen, Bavarian Sports Youth (BSJ) Erlangen/Höchstadt District Youth Leadership, BUNDjugend Bayern Youth Group “Umsonstladen” Erlangen, Kriegenbrunn Citizens’ Choir

C CSU ErlangenDistrict Association , Chorverein 1847 Erlangen

D Umbrella Organization of Erlangen Youth Clubs, DGB Erlangen/Höchstadt District Association, Die Teilerei, Diakonie Erlangen, Durga Puja Franken e. V.

E EFIE e. V., Eichendorff School Erlangen, ELIA Congregation Erlangen, ESTW – Erlanger Stadtwerke AG, Erlanger Linke, Erlanger Musikwerkstatt e.V., Erlanger Tanzhaus e.V., Evangelical Lutheran Deanery of Erlangen, Evangelical Reformed Church of Erlangen

F Fachdienst Access – Inclusion in the Workplace, fairlangen.org, FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, Framatome GmbH, Erlangen Women’s Center e.V., Path of Peace Among Religions, FDP City Council Members of Erlangen, F.W.G. Free Voters’ Association of Erlangen, Research Advisory Board for Palliative Care in Erlangen, Family and Senior Care GmbH Erlangen, Friends and Supporters of Montessori Erlangen e.V.

G Erlangen-CityDistrict Association of Alliance 90/The Greens, GEWOBAU Erlangen Housing Association of the City of Erlangen mbH, Erlangen-Büchenbach Elementary School, Pestalozzi Elementary School, Fridericianum High School

H Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg for Renewable Energies

I Indian Community Franconia e.V., Internationaler Bund Erlangen e.V., International Women’s Group

J Jakob-Herz School, Jewish Community, Youth Parliament, Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e. V. Middle Franconia Regional Association – Erlangen Local Chapter

K Catholic Pastoral Care District of Erlangen, KEB MittenInFranken e.V. – Education Officer for the City of Erlangen, Child Protection Association of Erlangen, Thomizil Children’s Center, Klimaliste Erlangen, Klinikum am Europakanal, Erlangen Cosmetics Institute, E-Werk Cultural Center

L Lebenshilfe Erlangen, Das Lamm muss laufen! e. V.

M #MakeYourTownQueer e. V., Max and Justine Elsner School, Montessori Education Erlangen e. V., Mönau Elementary School Erlangen, Mothers’ and Families’ Meeting Place Erlangen e. V., Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Light, MEI Meds Erlangen International GmbH

N Nägel Ideen & Events GmbH & Co. KG, NaturFreunde Deutschland Erlangen Local Chapter e.V.

O Open Door Erlangen, ÖDP Erlangen, Grandmas Against the Right Erlangen, ORFO GmbH

P Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, Middle Franconia Regional Association, Inc., Partnership for Democracy Erlangen, Staff Council of the Erlangen Job Center, Scout Support Association of Northern Bavaria, Inc., Erlangen City Police Station

R Council for Social Justice Erlangen, Realschule am Europakanal

S SCHACHZUG – Agency for Brand Communication GmbH, Siemens AG Works Council Erlangen G, City of Erlangen, Erlangen City Youth Council of the Bavarian Youth Council (K.d.ö.R.), Erlangen-Höchstadt-Herzogenaurach City and District Savings Bank, SPD Parliamentary Group in Erlangen, Erlangen State Vocational School, Erlangen State Technical High School and Vocational High School, Erlangen / San Carlos City Partnership Association, e.V., City Association of Erlangen Cultural Organizations e.V., Erlangen Senior Citizens’ Advisory Council

T Turnverein 1848 Erlangen e. V.

U Uniklikum Erlangen

V VdK Erlangen-HöchstadtDistrict Association , Volt Erlangen, VR TeilhaberBank Metropolregion Nürnberg eG – Erlangen Branch

W Green ListVoters’ Association, Erlangen Waldorf School, wabe Association for the Reintegration of People with Mental Illness e. V.

Z Zonta Club Erlangen, ZSL Erlangen e. V.

The Erlangen Declaration is also supported by:

Café Villa, Evangelical Lutheran Parish of St. Mary Magdalene, Erlangen-Tennenlohe, Evangelical Lutheran Parish of Erlangen-Innenstadt, Evangelical Lutheran Parish of St. Markus, Technical College, Kunstpalais, Frankenhof Culture and Education Campus, Schauspiel Erlangen, Municipal Neighborhood Centers, Municipal Marie-Therese High School, Municipal Erlangen School of Business, Municipal Youth Social Work and Youth Services, Municipal Child Day Care Facilities, Municipal Family Support Services, Erlangen City Archives, Erlangen City Library, Erlangen City Museum, vhs Erlangen

Kickoff Event in March

The fact that we can send this important message is of particular significance for our work. To kick things off, the Office for Equal Opportunity and Diversity developed initial content. At a kickoff event in March with over 50 participants, the preliminary concept was presented and further refined by the participants, who brought extensive expertise on diversity issues to the table.

Diversity Conference in May

Building on these results, the participants continued the process at the Erlangen Diversity Conference on May 23, 2025. In three different workshops, they worked through open questions regarding the declaration and the work of the future network.

Drafting the Text and Designing the Logo

Since then, an editorial group comprising local organizations has been working on the text of the declaration. Once the draft was finalized, Lebenshilfe developed a version in plain language. You can find that version below.

The logo and design of the Erlangen Declaration were developed by Schachzug GmbH:

ERLANGEN DECLARATION ON DIVERSITY, RESPECT, AND TOLERANCE

Plain Language Version

Introduction

Erlangen is a large and modern city. Many different people live here together. They come from different countries and cultures. These people work together in many areas—for example, in companies, schools, and at the university. Many organizations are also active in Erlangen. All of this makes life in Erlangen a good one.
In Erlangen, everyone should be able to find a home. It doesn’t matter where someone comes from. It also doesn’t matter how much money someone has. And it doesn’t matter how he or she lives.
Everyone should live well together. The city wants to help make that happen.
The city, businesses, and residents are committed to the community. Erlangen has a motto: “Open by Tradition.” This means that the city has long been open to everyone. Erlangen embraces diversity.

We promise: We live, learn, and work together in Erlangen. We do this with respect, tolerance, and appreciation.

These principles are important to us in everything we do:

Every person has dignity. This means that every person has the same rights. These rights must be protected.

Everyone has the right to express their opinion: We should speak to one another in a friendly and respectful manner. Sometimes disagreements arise. In such cases, we should always strive to find a mutual solution.

Diversity is valuable: Many different people live in Erlangen:

• They have different stories.
• They come from different countries.
• They are of different ages.
• They love whoever they want to love.
• They live their lives their own way.
• They have different amounts of money.
• They are of different genders.
• They have different religious beliefs.
• They have limitations or disabilities.
• They have different opinions.

Equal opportunities for all: Everyone should have the same opportunities. Everyone should be able to participate and be included.

No one should experience discrimination. Discrimination means that someone is treated badly because they are different.

We fight against discrimination and exclusion. When someone is discriminated against, we help.

Our Goals

With this statement, we want to achieve the following together:

• Everyone must be treated equally. We are committed to ensuring this within our own organizations. We are dedicated to identifying and preventing discrimination.
• We want to work together with others who share this goal.
  That way, we can learn from one another and achieve more together.
• We also want to promote our principles to the outside world. And we will defend these principles when necessary.
  

Our Collaboration

We work together because we want to:

• We want there to be more diversity, respect, and tolerance.
• People should treat one another with kindness. That’s why we work together:
• within our organization and throughout the city of Erlangen.
• We want to learn from one another. We want to support one another.
  This helps us do the right things.
• We want to share ideas so that Erlangen becomes an even better and more livable
  .
• We want to share our different opinions.
  This allows us to understand each other better and get along better.

ERLANGEN DECLARATION ON DIVERSITY, RESPECT, AND TOLERANCE

PREAMBLE

The Huguenot city of Erlangen has evolved into a modern, diverse, and vibrant metropolis.
Every day, people in numerous organizations work to strengthen harmonious coexistence.
As a hub for innovation and science, Erlangen is characterized by small businesses, internationally renowned corporations, research, a vibrant community life, civic engagement, and much more.
Erlangen aims to offer a home and a future to all people, regardless of their background, social, or economic status. Through the active engagement of civil society, the business community, and public institutions, our city contributes to a democracy in action and sustainability.
As signatories, we see Erlangen’s city motto, “Open by Tradition,” as both a historical and forward-looking commitment: Our aspiration is to live, learn, and work together in diversity, with respect, tolerance, and appreciation.

OUR VALUES

We are convinced that a vibrant, democratic, and diverse society is built on the following pillars:

• We protect the inviolable dignity of every human being, fundamental and human rights, and the rule of law.
• We respect freedom of expression within its legal boundaries. In the event of differences of opinion, we advocate for a constructive, respectful exchange on an equal footing.
• We value the diversity of human identities and ways of life as an enrichment. Diversity encompasses various characteristics, such as age, ethnic origin and nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, impairments and disabilities, religion and worldview, and social background. Every person is shaped in many ways by these characteristics.
• We strive for equal participation, equal opportunities, and a life free from discrimination for all as the foundation for social justice.
• We stand against discrimination and exclusion. We support people who experience discrimination and stand in solidarity with them.

OUR GOALS

With the “Erlangen Declaration,” we, the undersigned, reaffirm our shared stance:

• We are committed to upholding and realizing these values. Within our organizations, we aim to actively embody them as a framework for action and conduct. To identify potential instances of discrimination and violations, prevent them, and intervene when necessary, we will implement measures appropriate to our respective organizations.
• Through dialogue and collaboration with other signatories, we aim to strengthen these values and deepen and further develop our shared understanding.
• Externally, we aim to actively advocate for these values and, when necessary, protect and defend them.

OUR COLLABORATION

Through our collaboration, we aim to contribute to greater diversity, respect, and tolerance—among ourselves and in the city of Erlangen. To achieve this, this declaration provides us with

• a strong network for learning with and from one another, in which we motivate each other to take action.
• a space for exchange to make our actions, our organizations, and our urban community even more livable for everyone—for example, by jointly developing effective measures.
• a space for conversation and discussion, where we draw on our different viewpoints and experiences to broaden our own perspectives.