Kristiansand — a coastal city of around 115,000 residents, the fifth‑largest municipality in Norway and a recognised regional centre for culture, education and democratic dialogue — has formally joined the Intercultural Cities Programme (ICC). The city’s membership was highlighted during the European Conference on Democracy and Human Rights on 5 May, where the Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General, Bjørn Berge, underlined the importance of intercultural inclusion in strengthening democratic resilience across Europe.

By joining the ICC network, Kristiansand signals a clear political commitment to governing diversity as a resource. The city has developed strong approaches to citizen dialogue, anti-discrimination, inclusive education and community cohesion, making ICC membership a natural continuation of its work.

As the Deputy Secretary General noted during the reception:

Kristiansand is becoming a member of the Intercultural Cities Programme. This is a clear political commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient democracy at local level… Cities like Kristiansand show that the future of democracy will be built through inclusion and dialogue.”