The Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council represented the city at a major international event aimed at combatting antisemitism.
The 2025 Paris Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism was held last week, with delegates from around the world invited to highlight and discuss the threat of hatred and how it can be overcome.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan was one of more than 150 key figures in international work for peace and reconciliation to attend.
The summit this year had the theme of ‘Defending Values, Promoting Culture, and Inspiring Change’ and was aimed at bringing countries and cities together to build alliances and discuss how antisemitism can be defeated at a local and international level.
Topics covered included Jewish heritage, security, digital threats, and educational Initiatives.
Cllr Khan said: “It was an honour to attend the summit and meet people from around the world who share Coventry’s hopes and ideals of a world free of racism and hatred.
“It was a chance for our city to be a part of vital work for peace and to show its commitment to driving out prejudice in our communities.
“Coventry works with its friends on the international stage to build peace, but that work starts at home, and this conference gave us a chance to learn from others how we can bring people together in friendship and understanding – both here in our own city, and in other countries.”
Shannon Seban, Director of European Affairs at the Combat Antisemitism Movement, which organised the event, said: “We deeply appreciate the commitment shown by the city of Coventry in strengthening local and international efforts to combat antisemitism.
“Your leadership and engagement are essential as cities across Europe work together to protect their communities and uphold democratic values.”
The summit heard that antisemitism and hate-fuelled extremism are rising at an alarming pace, and the role of municipal leaders has never been more urgent.
Delegates discussed the need for awareness and action to start at a local level and the critical role of cities in advancing tolerance, safeguarding Jewish life, and building mutually respectful societies for all.
The visit came in the month the city held its own Peace Festival and marked the 85th anniversary of the Blitz and Armistice Day.
It followed an earlier visit by Cllr Khan to represent the city at the 32nd General Assembly of the International Association of Peace Messenger Cities in Plonsk, in Poland, which was established to recognise and encourage the role and responsibility cities have in creating a culture of peace, and has over 100 members from all parts of the world.