On 17 June 2026, the Dialogue Society Manchester Branch, in partnership with Human Rights Solidarity (HRS), successfully hosted the Future Forum on Migration & Humanity at the Friends’ Meeting House, Manchester.
The event brought together academics, policymakers, local councillors, practitioners, civil society organisations, migrant community representatives, and local residents to explore one of today’s most significant social issues: migration, belonging, and community cohesion. Through open dialogue and respectful discussion, participants examined the challenges and opportunities surrounding migration while considering practical ways to strengthen empathy, social cohesion, and community solidarity.
The panel featured an outstanding group of speakers:
- Dr Oliver Bakewell – Reader in Migration Studies, Global Development Institute, University of Manchester
- Burak Batuhan Karakus – Executive Director, Human Rights Solidarity
- Cllr Amna Abdullatif – Councillor for Ardwick, Manchester
- Kim Gowland – HostNation UK
- Hanna Zamostna – CEO, Step to Empower
- Oleksandra Vlasova – Head of Digital Marketing, Step to Empower
- Karolina Kanska – Co-founder, Honeycombs Hub
- Evelyn Lo – Community Representative, Salford Hongkongers
- Allan Mandindi – Malawi Heritage Centre
- Cllr Hussayn Salem – Councillor for Ancoats and Beswick, Manchester
- Cameron Boyle – Manchester City Council
- Moderator: Fatih Celebi, Branch Director, Dialogue Society Manchester
Following the panel discussion and audience Q&A, participants visited the Humanity Cartoons exhibition, showcasing artwork from more than 750 artists from around the world. The exhibition offered a creative and thought-provoking space for continued reflection on migration, humanity, and shared values.
The event created an inclusive platform where participants from diverse professional, cultural, and faith backgrounds engaged in constructive conversations, exchanged experiences, and established new connections. It also highlighted the importance of dialogue in addressing complex social issues and demonstrated how collaborative partnerships can help build stronger, more inclusive communities.
The Dialogue Society Manchester Branch extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, partners, and supporters, including Step to Empower, Honeycombs Hub, and Time to Help, whose contributions helped make the event a great success.
The Future Forum on Migration & Humanity reaffirmed the Dialogue Society’s commitment to creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together to listen, learn, and work collaboratively towards a more cohesive and compassionate society.
