Avenue de l'Europe
F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex
Tel. +33 (0)3 88 41 20 00
www.coe.int

Intercultural cities: good practice examples

The Intercultural city aims at building its policies and identity on the explicit acknowledgement that diversity can be a resource for the development of the society.

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.

Template for collection of Good practices >>

Themes Multilingualism

Promoting multilingualism

spain Spain Barcelona

Purpose: A language learning programme recognising and promoting the linguistic diversity in Barcelona’s neighbourhoods was launched to: foster multilingualism in the city and within the...

Read More

Roma school promoters

spain Spain Barcelona Since 2014

Purpose: To address the inequalities in the education system through a “school promoters” project. The School Promoters aims to achieve full schooling, school success and the socio-labour promotion...

Read More

Multilingual initiatives improve the intercultural dialogue and the inclusive integration

cyprus Cyprus Limassol Ongoing

Purpose: The purpose of the activity is to foster intercultural dialogue and inclusive integration through multilingual initiatives. The city of Limassol, Cyprus, takes significant steps to...

Read More

Promoting cultural participation and equal access to culture in Neuchâtel

switzerland Switzerland Neuchâtel

This action promoting cultural participation was implemented in the frame of the intercultural strategy of the canton of Neuchâtel, which is based on the recognition of diversity, equality,...

Read More

Barcelona Centre for Linguistic Normalisation

spain Spain Barcelona CNL was founded in 1988

Purpose: The Consortium for Linguistic Normalisation (CPNL) is a public body created from the common will of the Regional Government and numerous local, county and provincial councils with the aim...

Read More

Johannes Learning Centre - a bilingual school which teaches and hires minorities

norway Norway Stavanger Running for several decades

Purpose: Johannes Learning Centre is Stavanger’s main vehicle for building language competence. Although originally all the staff were Norwegians, 40% are now of minority background. The school has...

Read More

Language Platform EIF-FEL Network

france France Paris 2016-2024 (renewal planned for 2025-2027)

Purpose: The EIF-FEL project, implemented by the City of Paris since 2016, aims to simplify and coordinate French language learning pathways. The initiative addresses three main challenges:...

Read More

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week)

new-zealand New Zealand Auckland 2018 - Ongoing

Purpose: A celebration of the culture and language of the 700,000 Māori people living in New Zealand. Stimulus/Rationale: As an intercultural City, Auckland celebrates and encourages the use of...

Read More

Italian Language courses for migrant women

italy Italy Novellara 2017 - 2018

Purpose: The goal of this project is to promote the participation of migrant women into the Italian Language courses organized in the city of Novellara. Stimulus/Rationale: The local administration...

Read More

Guided tours of the Greatest Hits exhibition by members of Erlangen Refugee Forum : The best of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and today - from the Municipal Collection of Erlangen

germany Germany Erlangen 2016 - Ongoing

Purpose: To ensure digital inclusion Process: For the duration of the exhibition Greatest Hits (December 2017 to February 2018) the Kunstpalais offered guided tours in Arabic, Armenian, Persian,...

Read More

Valuing multilingualism

spain Spain Sabadell Since 2016

Purpose: The city of Sabadell provides a variety of services in the field of language competences. First, there are programmes targeting women and youngsters to improve language skills. In...

Read More

Fresh start – Learning English

united-kingdom United Kingdom Leeds 2020

As part of ‘Child Friendly Leeds’[1], the city recognises that starting school in a new location is daunting. The city has therefore established a weekly session for children aged 9-16 called...

Read More

The Language Hub Programme

united-kingdom United Kingdom Leeds 2020

Based on the Culture Strategy 2017-2030[1] the city aims to change perceptions and attitudes towards culture and the arts, moving the focus from what they cost to what they create. All...

Read More

Italy - Learn Arabic!

italy Italy Reggio Emilia Ended in 2014

Purpose: This is a project in collaboration with the Local Health Authorities to improve linguistic cultural relations between foreign citizens and health services. Stimulus/Rationale: In 2011 the...

Read More

Anissa programme

spain Spain Barcelona Since 2014

Purpose: The Annisa programme is a project focused on the participation and interaction of Pakistani communities and the Besós neighbourhood in the district of Sant Martí. The programme is funded...

Read More

Promoting multilingualism in a multicultural city

republic-of-korea Republic of Korea Ansan 2020

Ansan City offers Korean language education for non-nationals. The city itself runs Korean language education programmes while commissioning private organisations to complete the offer. There is a...

Read More

The role of libraries as drivers of integration and intercultural interaction

canada Canada Sherbrooke Ongoing

Purpose: Public libraries can serve as key spaces for newcomers and play a crucial role in facilitating access to knowledge, reducing social inequalities and improving their quality of life. The...

Read More

Rete Diritto di Parola

italy Italy Reggio Emilia 2016 - ongoing

Purpose: Diritto di Parola emphasizes the importance of language and Italian culture knowledge for citizenship. The linguistic integration initiative focuses on providing Italian language courses...

Read More

Themes
0 Combating disinformation
0 International outlook
0 Youth
Year
UN Sustainable Development Goals
0 1. No poverty
0 2. Zero hunger
0 3. Good health and wellbeing
0 4. Quality education
0 5. Gender equality
0 6. Clean water and sanitation
0 7. Affordable and clean energy
0 8. Decent work and economic growth
0 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
0 10. Reduced inequalities
0 11. Sustainable cities and communities
0 12. Responsible consumption and production
0 13. Climate action
0 14. Life below water
0 15. Life on land
0 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
0 17. Partnerships for the goals