The City of Paris today became a member of the Council of Europe Intercultural Cities Programme, which provides support for the establishment of local strategies for managing diversity and integrating migrants and minorities.

“I welcome the decision of the City of Paris to join the network of European cities which believe that diversity is an asset for local economic, social and cultural development. Creating a city that is open to everyone is an essential step towards a more inclusive society,” said Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Ninety-five cities, including Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, Geneva, Lisbon, London, Milan, Oslo, Turin and Lyon are members of the Intercultural Cities Programme, which was launched in 2008.

The programme provides local authorities with a methodology to help them implement ground-breaking intercultural integration policies as well as analysis and evaluation tools.