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.
Carrying out an Inclusive Economy Strategy for social and environmental value
United Kingdom
Calderdale
2022
Calderdale, United Kingdom, has committed to social value creation through its Inclusive Economy Strategy. All its procurement activity must be in line with social value requirements and...
Campaigns and communication for inclusion
Portugal
Lisbon
2016-2018
Purpose: Lisbon, Portugal, developed a programme (“Somos os Direitos que temos” – We are our rights) targeting more awareness towards diversity, human rights, and inclusion. The awareness of the...
The DIVERSITY = INNOVATION project
United Kingdom
Kirklees
2022
Purpose: Monitoring the diversity of recruitment and promotion locally, and working with employers to champion diverse workplaces. Stimulus/Rationale: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is...
Participatory mechanisms and initiatives encouraging all Camden residents to engage in political life and decision-making processes
United Kingdom
Camden
Camden Council services work in a range of ways that enable all of Camden’s residents, in particular people with migrant/minority backgrounds, to voice their concerns, examples are: Communication...
Providing intercultural mediation in Camden: an efficient tool for a harmonious life in the borough
United Kingdom
Camden
In Camden, intercultural mediation is provided in the neighbourhoods and on the streets actively seeking to meet residents and discuss problems. The Family Group Conference (FGC) offers a...
Camden’s residents and the authorities building together a safe and welcoming borough
United Kingdom
Camden
Camden has been carrying out surveys on the feeling of security/safety with respect to people with migrant/minority backgrounds. The Council has a community lead response to supporting communities...
Gender equality: voices of the women in Camden
United Kingdom
Camden
Camden Council put in place mechanisms to make sure that gender equality is respected in organisations that participate in the decision-making process on matters related to the inclusion of Camden...
Parks for Health: promotion of health assets for the local community
United Kingdom
Camden
Camden is working with its neighbouring authority, Islington, on a joint project called Parks for Health. This major project seeks to change the passive focus of parks into active health assets for...
Recruitment practices in favour of diversity in the workforce
United Kingdom
Camden
Camden is involved with many local, regional and national organisations promoting diversity and non-discrimination in the labour market, including: Stonewall, a charity that works with institutions...
Structural Racism in Bergen. Provoking debate, enabling understanding and stimulating action through research on structural racism in Bergen
Norway
Bergen
2021
Purpose: The research initiative “Structural Racism in Bergen” was undertaken by Bergen Municipality to understand how minority ethnic populations perceived the way they were treated by the city’s...
Improving equality data collection in Belgium
Belgium
2021
The equality data strategy responds to the imperative for a precise picture of reality, an evidence base, to be available if policy solutions to inequality are to be effectively designed and...
Valladolid’s Plan for intercultural coexistence 2019-2023
Spain
Valladolid
2019-2023 (ongoing)
Purpose: The Plan is a tool that develops a comprehensive policy of living together from an intercultural perspective and helps the city harness the potential of diversity. It also enables to...
Roma Strategy for the Bradford District (2021-2025)
United Kingdom
Bradford
2021
Purpose: The aim of the Bradford District Roma Strategy is to improve engagement between statutory public services and the Roma community – through working with the community. Stimulus/Rationale:...
Roma school promoters
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...
Barcelona’s Neighbourhood Plan
Spain
Barcelona
Since 2017
Purpose: The Neighbourhoods Plan (Pla de Barris) is a municipal initiative that implements social, economic, and urban actions to reduce inequalities between the city's neighbourhoods. It is an...
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...
A welcoming app
Portugal
Amadora
Lisbon
Loures
Santa Maria da Feira
Setúbal
Cascais
Portimão
Braga
Oeiras
2019-2021
Purpose: The Portuguese Network of Intercultural Cities (RPCI) has developed an app called Portugal Incoming. The app launched in 2019 is a major practical contribution to the integration of...
Migrant stories
Germany
Erlangen
2020
Purpose: During COVID, the City of Erlangen, Germany, made a point of uplifting the stories of contributions by people with migrant backgrounds via their website and communications. These ranged...
Promoting cultural participation and equal access to culture in Neuchâtel
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,...
The Leeds Learning Alliance
United Kingdom
Leeds
Since 2019
The Leeds Learning Alliance (LLA) is a consortium of organisations formed in 2019 by a group of leaders, aiming to improve education in Leeds, United Kingdom (UK). The Alliance is unusual in the UK...
The Equality Space
France
Strasbourg
Since 2019
Purpose: The Equality Space (Espace Égalité) hosts a one-of-a-kind experience for children and young adults to get familiar with 26 discrimination criteria and fully understand the impact of...
Council for civil society development
Sweden
Botkyrka
2018-
Purpose: Civil society organizations working in the social field and organised in the network “Platform for local NGOs’ in Botkyrka” and politicians from Botkyrka have established a joint Council...
Equality Planning
Sweden
Botkyrka
N/A
Purpose: The municipal council in Botkyrka has developed specific systems to advance the goal of an equal Botkyrka and give expression to its values that include: citizen-focus, diversity as an...
Bottkyrka: Anti-Discrimination Bureau
Sweden
Botkyrka
N/A
Purpose: Anti-Discrimination Bureaux are independent non-governmental organisations; the local Anti-Discrimination Bureau in Bottkyrka is funded by the municipality of Bottkyrka and offers...
Salisbury’s effective measures to combat discrimination
Australia
Salisbury
2020
Purpose: The Australian City of Salisbury adopted “The Fair Treatment Policy” and signed the “Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration” Process: The City Council adopted a policy called “The Fair Treatment...
Equality Review & Action Plan
Ireland
Dublin
2018
Purpose: Equality review of provision of social housing supports and homelessness services on the ground of racial or ethnic origin and action plan. Stimulus/Rationale: Foundation This initiative...
Towards an Inclusive Public Transport Service
Ireland
Dublin
2014 onwards
Purpose: Long-term programme in Dublin to fight racism and discrimination in public transport Process: Dublin City Council in partnership with Immigrant Council of Ireland, the Equality Authority...
Intercultural Ambassadors
Australia
Ballarat
2010 onwards
Purpose: A unique festival to encourage its citizens to meet and get to know each other Stimulus/Rationale: The Intercultural Ambassador Program aims to enhance community awareness and social...
Covid 19 practice
Australia
Maribyrnong
2020
Purpose: Information and support for CALD businesses during COVID 19 Stimulus/Rationale: The Mayor of Maribyrnong initially announced that the City Council would be giving permit refunds and 50%...
Reconciliation Action Plan
Australia
Ballarat
May 2019 – May 2021
Purpose: Raising awareness about reconciliation, demonstrating commitment and raising the profile of reconciliation in the community. Process: The City of Ballarat have developed and Innovative...