Intercultural cities: good practice examples
The first step is the adoption (and implementation) of strategies that facilitate positive intercultural encounters and exchanges, and promote equal and active participation of residents and communities in the development of the city, thus responding to the needs of a diverse population. The Intercultural integration policy model is based on extensive research evidence, on a range of international legal instruments, and on the collective input of the cities member of the Intercultural Cities programme that share their good practice examples on how to better manage diversity, address possible conflicts, and benefit from the diversity advantage.
This section offers examples of intercultural approaches that facilitate the development and implementation of intercultural strategies.
Mediation is a priority in Barcelona
Spain
Barcelona
Purpose: Different mediation services are in place with the aim of providing resources to municipal service professionals to facilitate intercultural communication and to prevent and resolve...
Interreligious policies - Interfaith Dialogue
Spain
Sabadell
Since 2010
Purpose: The Department of Civil Rights and Citizenship develops public policies for the protection of freedom of religion, belief, and conviction and to guarantee an enriching coexistence. These...
Having Faith in Lewisham
United Kingdom
London-Lewisham
2016 onwards
Purpose: Putting faith groups at the heart of community building Stimulus/Rationale: A large number of residents subscribe to a religion and of the rapidly growing number of faith groups (over...
Grupo de Diálogo Interreligioso (Group of Interfaith dialogue)
Spain
Tenerife
2017 - ongoing
Purpose: The group of interfaith dialogue promotes spirituality through knowledge and understanding of different beliefs and religious or spiritual developments with a learning attitude. The...
The Council of Churches in Lutsk
Ukraine
Lutsk
2021
Purpose: Establishing interfaith dialogue and guaranteeing freedom of thought and religion Stimulus/Rationale: At the initiative of the mayor of the City of Lutsk, Mr. Ihor Polishchuk, the Lutsk...
Interreligious dialogue in Valladolid
Spain
Valladolid
2019 - ongoing
Purpose: Promote attitudes of respect for religious diversity by involving representatives of religious communities in the representatives of religious communities in the shared management of...
The Open Mosque Project – Increasing contact in the neighbourhood
Italy
Torino
2018 - Ongoing
Purpose: The event “Open Mosques” allows people to meet and to get to know each other. The project’s primary objective is to open up the unknown – the space of the mosque – and thereby reduce...
NEUCHÀTOI
Switzerland
Neuchâtel
2016
Purpose: Neuchàtoi is an ongoing campaign and dialogue platform aimed at developing an open discussion on how the city of Neuchâtel has evolved in terms of its identity and intercultural relations...
Building interfaith partnerships
Italy
Reggio Emilia
2016 - Ongoing
Purpose: The project, led by the municipality’s urban planning and architecture department, aims firstly at identifying and mapping the presence of different religious communities. The action goes...
Todos – Walk of Cultures
Portugal
Lisbon
2009- ongoing
Purpose: To celebrate Lisbon as an intercultural city, promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue Stimulus/Rationale: A nomadic festival of intercultural festival which reintegrates...
Table on Interreligious dialogue
Spain
Salt
Since 2009
Purpose: The main focus of the Interreligious Table is to improve the knowledge and recognition of the city’s religious plurality. In addition, the Table organises events and initiatives to promote...
Local Forum for religious diversity
Spain
Bilbao
ongoing
Since 2012, the Local forum for religious diversity promotes the exercise of freedom of conscience and religion in a context of citizens’ coexistence in diversity and in human rights’ promotion....
World Interfaith Harmony Week
Portugal
Lisbon
2018
Purpose: Foster Interreligious dialogue. Stimulus/Rationale: The week especially provides a platform for interfaith groups and other groups of goodwill to demonstrate and share their work. Based on...
Increasing awareness about Islam and reducing anti-Muslim stereotypes
Ukraine
Lutsk
2018
Purpose: “Interpretation of Surahs of the Quran” is an initiative aimed to dismantle stereotypes about Islam and the Muslim world in general, to build a peaceful intercultural society in Ukrainian...
The Office for Religious Affairs: a comprehensive approach
Spain
Barcelona
Since 2005
Purpose: The Office of Religious Affairs (OAR) of the Barcelona City Council is a municipal service whose main objective is to serve as a reference point for religious and spiritual matters, as...
A pioneer plan to combat Islamophobia
Spain
Barcelona
Since 2017
Purpose: The City Council of Barcelona adopted a plan to prevent hate crimes, raise awareness and provide victim support services. The Plan aims at raising awareness on Islamophobia as a serious...