On 1 and 2 June, the Intercultural Cities Programme will carry out the first expert visit to Klaksvik, a municipality located up in the north of the Faroe Islands, characterised by a deep-rooted spirit of cooperation and community. A rather small but very diverse city (approximately 121 foreign residents from 35 different countries in 2014) Klaksvík strives to create a city for everyone including residents from abroad and be able to tap into the potential of foreign residents who have much to offer to the rest of the community.

A representative of the Council of Europe and an independent expert will meet the Mayor, Mr Jógvan Skorheim, as well as other representatives of the local authorities and of local stakeholders of both the public and private sector. The discussion will focus on the cities’ Index results, the city’s achievements and needs in relation to intercultural policies and governance. Among the main topics the participants will address issues related to language, labor market integration, public services for migrants, and the perception of diversity.

The visit will result in the “intercultural profile” of the city which will be the basis of subsequent work.