Purpose: The purpose of the intercultural integration strategy in Limassol is to foster diversity as a source of strength and prosperity by promoting inclusive interactions, empowering all community members, fostering intercultural competence, embracing cultural pluralism, developing inclusive narratives, and positively managing conflicts. The strategy aims to create an environment where different cultures and backgrounds are celebrated, and individuals can come together to build trust and unlock their creative potential, ultimately contributing to a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive society in Limassol. Additionally, the strategy aims to make public services more accessible to the diverse categories of residents by organising training sessions for public service officers. These trainings will enhance their understanding of diversity issues and equip them with the skills to provide culturally sensitive and appropriate services to all residents, further enhancing inclusivity within the city.
Stimulus/Rationale: The rationale behind the intercultural integration strategy in Limassol includes the need for effective management of diversity, which arises from the increase in migrants and refugees due to political unrest in the region. The strategy is influenced by the "Building structures for inclusive integration in Cyprus" project, and it aims to continue and expand actions to include the entire Limassol District using the Limassol District Intercultural Cities Index Analysis results. Building upon the previous Intercultural Strategy of Limassol, which ended in 2020, the current document is intended to be a starting point for discussion and joint activities between the Intercultural Council of Limassol and the Regional Intercultural Network, which includes the municipalities of Limassol District and national authorities. By drawing from the experiences and lessons of the previous strategy, the
current one seeks to extend its actions to encompass the whole district, aiming for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to intercultural integration within the city and its surrounding areas. The overall goal is to create a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive society by celebrating diversity, empowering the community, fostering intercultural competence, embracing cultural pluralism, developing inclusive narratives, and positively managing conflicts, while making public services more accessible and culturally sensitive to all residents.
Process: The process of developing the intercultural integration strategy in Limassol involved a comprehensive approach to embrace diversity and promote inclusion within the city. The strategy was influenced by the pressing issues of an increased number of migrants and refugees due to regional political unrest and the need for effective diversity management. Additionally, the "Building structures for inclusive integration in Cyprus" project, in collaboration with the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support and the Civil Registry and Migration Department, provided valuable insights and input. The strategy was developed through a series of open for the public Intercultural Council's meetings. Through needs assessment and brainstorming sessions, it has detected a wide range of factors aimed at creating an inclusive and harmonious society. It addresses various aspects such as fostering interaction, promoting participation, combating anti-discrimination, ensuring a welcoming environment for newcomers, enhancing education, strengthening neighbourhood relations, improving accessibility of public services, fostering inclusivity in business and labour, enriching cultural and social life and enhancing the quality of public space. Through this comprehensive approach, the strategy seeks to celebrate diversity, empower the community, foster intercultural competence, embrace cultural pluralism, ultimately contributing to the creation of a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive society in Limassol.
Impact: The implementation of the intercultural integration strategy in Limassol is expected to foster understanding, inclusivity, and cooperation among diverse cultures, leading to improved social interactions, strengthened community bonds, and a more harmonious and prosperous city for all residents.
Key reference documents: Limassol District Intercultural Strategy 2023-2025
