To reduce inequality, policies have to be put in place to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all. Inequalities can take different forms : social exclusion is one of them. It is necessary to ensure equal opportunity for all individuals and groups taking part in our society, independently of their characteristics. Because social exclusion means that individuals are blocked or denied access to fundamental rights, opportunities or resources such as housing, employment, healthcare or democratic participation, it is fundamental we erase it.

The approach of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is based on three key principles: achieving SDGs is the shared responsibility of all levels of government; local and regional authorities must have the necessary competences and financial autonomy to achieve the goals in their respective areas; citizens must always remain at the heart of the action.

The Congress promotes equality and inclusion of all groups. It has adopted several texts on social inclusion concerning minorities, youth, refugees, migrants, Roma and Travellers. It also encourages the implementation of equitable policies for the distribution of financial resources between communities, especially in border regions.

The Congress adopted the following texts in relation to SDG 10:

  • REC 511 (2024) - The UN Pact for the Future: The essential role of local and regional authorities in global sustainable development

  • RES 500 (2024) and REC 510 (2024) - Local and regional responses to natural disasters and climate hazards: from risk preparedness to resilience

  • REC 483 (2022) and RES 488 (2022) - Regional identities: promoting dialogue and diversity in unity

  • REC 481(2022) and RES 487 (2022) -  Reception of women and children refugees in Europe’s cities and regions

  • REC 478 (2022) and RES 485 (2022) - Hate speech and fake news: the impact on working conditions of local and regional elected representatives

  • REC 437 (2019) and RES 448 (2019) - The role of local and regional governments in protecting internally displaced persons (IDPs)

  • REC441 (2019) and RES453 (2019) - The use of languages by local and regional authorities

  • REC438 (2019) and RES449 (2019) - Fair distribution of taxes in transfrontier areas. Potential conflicts and possibilities for compromise

  • REC422 (2018) and RES432 (2018) - Border regions facing the migration phenomenon

  • REC419 (2018) and RES431 (2018) - Voting rights at local level as an element of successful long-term integration of migrants and IDPs in Europe’s municipalities and regions

  • REC414 (2018) and RES428 (2018) - Unaccompanied refugee children: the role and responsibilities of local and regional authorities

  • REC 410 (2017) and RES 424 (2017) - Regional and minority languages in Europe today

  • REC394 (2017) and RES411 (2017) - From reception to integration: the role of local and regional authorities facing migration

  • REC388 (2016) and RES403 (2016) - The situation of Roma and travellers in the context of rising extremism, xenophobia and the refugee crisis in Europe

  • RES 397 (2016) - Organising intercultural and interreligious activities: a toolkit for the use of the local authorities

  • RES 384 (2015) - Guidelines for local and regional authorities on preventing radicalisation and manifestations of hate at grassroots level

  • REC 371 (2015) and RES 381 (2015) - Combatting radicalisation at grassroots level: the role of local and regional authorities

  • REC361 (2014) and RES371 (2014) - Promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities and their participation at local and regional levels

  • REC354 (2014) and RES66 (2014) - Empowering Roma youth through participation: effective policy design at local and regional levels

  • REC315 (2011) and RES333 (2011) - The situation of Roma in Europe: a challenge for local and regional authorities

  • RES319 (2010) - Integration of young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods

The following thematic activities of the Congress are particularly related to SDG 10:

Congress has issued the following SDG 10 relevant publications: