The Forum saw presentations from the host city, Vienna; the newest UNESCO City of Music, Ghent; and from Tallinn, which will one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2011, on the role that cities have to play in promoting and protecting diversity in music.

Ursula Hemetek

Ursula Hemetek of the International Council of Traditional Music (ICTM), opened the session with a presentation on how Turkish immigrants in particular have shaped aspects of Vienna's musical culture; detailing places where musical integration has occured and examples where the musical traditions remain seperate.

Katrien Laporte
Wim Wabbes

Katrien Laporte and Wim Wabbes of the UNESCO City of Music, Ghent then gave an introduction to Ghent's musical life, demonstrating why it is an ideal candidate for the accolade.

You can view Wim Wabbes' speech here and the Ghent presentation here.

Peko Baxant

Peko Baxant, of the City of Vienna, emphasised areas where Vienna has improved its record on musical diversity, and said that whilst the city celebrates it's rich musical heritage, it is also looking forward and is trying more to promote the development of contemporary genres.

You can see a PDF of Peko's speech here.

Unfortunately, because of the travel problems caused by the volcano eruption in Iceland, Madis Kolk was unable to join us in Vienna. Instead Silja Fischer, who chaired the session, read out a speech that Mr Kolk had prepared explaining how Tallinn intends to reap as much benefit as it can from its status as European Capital of Culture 2011, ensuring that there are sustainable events and projects that will reach as many people as possible.