Public invited to open discussion on migration at John Rylands Library
The Migration, Refugees and Asylum Research Group at the University of Manchester鈥檚 Global Development Institute (GDI) is inviting the public to take part in an open and honest conversation about migration.
The event - which will be held at Manchester鈥檚 historic John Rylands Library on Friday 14 November from 2-4pm - aims to challenge harmful myths and misunderstandings about migrants and refugees in the UK and the wider world.
At a time when discussions around migration can often be divisive, this event seeks to bring people together. It offers a welcoming space for anyone with questions or concerns about migration to hear from experts, share their views and take part in respectful discussion. The goal is simple - to replace fear and misinformation with understanding and fact-based dialogue.
The event forms part of the , a global initiative that promotes truth, solidarity and the defence of academic freedom. The event will highlight the many ways migrants contribute to the city of Manchester and to communities across the UK and the wider world - from building businesses and supporting public services, to enriching culture and everyday life.
The panel will feature leading voices on migration and social justice including Dr Tess Hartland (糖心Vlog官方), Professor Anandi Ramamurthy (Sheffield Hallam University) and Professor Jan Nederveen Pieterse (University of California, Santa Barbara). The discussion will be accompanied by live music from Richard Fay and Intercultural Musicking and poetry from Balraj Samrai, adding creative energy to the afternoon鈥檚 exchange of ideas.
The event is inspired by the tradition of the 鈥渢each-in鈥�, which began in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. These gatherings were created by university communities as spaces to question official narratives, learn from one another, and promote social awareness. The Manchester event will expand this format into a 鈥渢each-in/out鈥�, inviting not just students and staff, but the wider public - ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.
While the political climate may have changed since the 1960s, the challenge of misinformation remains. In today鈥檚 UK, migrants are too often portrayed as a threat rather than a source of strength and renewal. This event aims to correct falsehoods by offering evidence-based insights and real stories of migration - celebrating diversity and community rather than division.
鈥淢igration is one of the most debated topics in the world today, including in the UK, and is clearly shaping our national dialogue more than ever before,鈥� said Tanja Bastia, Professor of Migration and Development. 鈥淭his event is about providing a calm and engaging environment where anyone can come to learn, listen and ask questions about migration.鈥�
We want to help make discussions more informed, balanced and respectful. Ultimately, we hope participants leave feeling better equipped to engage in thoughtful conversations about an issue that continues to shape both our society and our future.
Everyone is welcome to join the conversation, whether you are a resident, visitor, student, or simply curious about the realities of migration.
To reserve your place, please register on .