Representatives of national entities in Cyprus participated in an online training course on intercultural competences in Greek on the mornings of 11, 18 and 25 October 2024. The participants included representatives of the Deputy Ministry for Migration and International Protection, Ministry of Education, the Office of the Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights, Department of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, the Social Welfare and Asylum Services, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and the Union of Cyprus Communities amongst others.

This training was organised under the “Enhancing structures and policies for intercultural integration in Cyprus” project which is co-funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Commission. One of the objectives of the project is to assist with the capacity building of civil servants at the national level. In January this year, a first training course on intercultural competences for representatives of ministries and national bodies was already organised and it was requested that a further training course should also be provided in Greek.

More information about what was covered in the three modules can be found below:

1st Module: Understanding of Intercultural Competences and Tools for an Intercultural City

This module explored the basic principles of intercultural integration, such as ensuring equality, valuing diversity, promoting genuine intercultural interaction, and enhancing active civic participation. The module focused on identifying and preventing systemic discrimination at the local level. Participants explored the causes and effects of prejudices and discrimination, learning strategies for effective management. Special emphasis will be given to the Council of Europe's Intercultural Cities programme and the Expert Committee on Intercultural Inclusion, through which the content of intercultural interaction was clarified, and specific application examples analysed. Additionally, participants gained knowledge and tools for assessing the effectiveness of policies and projects in promoting positive intercultural interactions, thereby enhancing the overall impact of their initiatives.

2nd Module: Shaping Positive/Alternative Narratives - Intercultural Communication

The module explored strategies for achieving communication without exclusion, examining the basic elements of inclusive intercultural communication (accessibility, representativeness, inclusive and alternative narratives). Emphasis was placed on constructing and promoting positive/alternative narratives that help combat stereotypes and misinformation. The module focused on the dynamic relationship between migration and integration, identifying successful alternative narratives that promote social cohesion. Additionally, participants learnt about a practical toolkit for conducting productive dialogues against rumours, aiming to address and combat misinformation, while simultaneously enhancing practices of inclusive communication.

3rd Module: Step-by-step training on intercultural strategy design and Participation without Exclusion

This module explored the basic principles of designing and implementing intercultural strategies. After understanding the basic components that make up a positive and effective intercultural approach, participants were trained in preparing and designing a comprehensive intercultural strategy, knowing step-by-step strategies for integration. A key component of the module was devoted to practical methods for creating participatory frameworks that ensure equal representation and active participation of all community members in decision-making. As a case study, the module examined how national, local and regional authorities can effectively manage the integration of the migrant population, especially in emergency situations. Participants examined ways to enhance coordination and analyse strategies for adapting communication to meet the needs of migrants before, during, and after emergencies.