Intercultural cities: good practice examples - Intercultural cities programme

Participatory Processes to Ensure Equal Access

United Kingdom Leeds 2020

Leeds organises an Equalities Assembly, participatory budgeting, intercultural dialogue platforms/round tables as well as MAP+ and the Migrant Community Networkers weekly drop-in. Additionally, the...

Bradford’s People Library

United Kingdom Bradford 2020

Purpose: To show there is always more to a human ‘book’ than just its cover. Stimulus/Rationale: Process: Bradford’s People Library is an ever-growing and fascinating collection of human ‘books’,...

Reducing barriers to naturalisation through information campaigns

Switzerland Zurich 2021 (ongoing since 2017)

The Zurich City Council is concerned that as many Zurich residents as possible should be able to participate in the direct democratic process. The more people participate, the more alive democracy...

A common public space through cooperation

United Kingdom Leeds 2020

As part of the ‘Our Spaces’ Strategy[1], the city considers a number of principles, one of which is that ‘our spaces will be inclusive, designed for all ages, abilities and reflect Leeds’ diverse...

Integrated Impact Assessment

United Kingdom Kirklees 2021

Purpose: Kirklees Council has developed an Integrated Impact Assessment process that is implemented when new services, policies or strategies are being developed or existing ones being changed or...

Poboljšanje prikupljanja podataka o jednakosti u Belgiji

Belgium 2021

Strategija podataka o jednakosti odgovara na imperativ dostupnosti precizne slike stvarnosti i baze dokaza radi efikasnog osmišljavanja i unapređenja političkih rešenja za nejednakost. Okupljanje...

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:...

Pokretanje debate, omogućavanje razumevanja i stimulisanje akcije kroz istraživanje strukturalnog rasizma u Bergenu

Norway Bergen 2021

Ciljane inicijative za podatke o jednakosti Svrha: Ovu istraživačku inicijativu preduzela je opština Bergen kako bi utvrdila kako manjinsko etničko stanovništvo doživljava način na koji se prema...

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...

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 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...

Want to make your workplace more inclusive?

Italy Reggio Emilia Novellara 2021

Purpose: Stimulus/Rationale: In 2021 the Italian municipalities of Novellara, Reggio Emilia, and the union of municipalities “Rubicone e Mare” were awarded an ICC intercity grant to develop...

Music of Words - Odessa

Ukraine Odessa 2021

Process: In 2021, ICC Odesa launched an inspiring new annual initiative, the literary and musical Festival "Music of Words", to celebrate the variety of artistic expressions and creative arts that...

Intercultural and integration strategy for the five-year period 2021-2025

Ireland Dublin 2021-2025

The main activity consists in the development of an intercultural and integration strategy for the five-year period 2021-2025. The development of the strategy was entrusted to the Dublin City Local...

The role of libraries as drivers of integration and intercultural interaction

Canada Sherbrooke current

Public libraries can be a particularly helpful place for newcomers and play a key role in giving access to knowledge, remedying social inequalities and improving these people’s quality of life....

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...

Lublin, Krakow and Wrocław together against hate speech

Poland Lublin Krakow Wroclaw 2nd half 2021

Purpose: This public awareness-raising initiative was undertaken by the three Polish cities: Lublin, Krakow and Wrocław, to address the burning problem of hate speech targeting minorities by...

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...

A Folk Doll’s Tale - Melitopol

Ukraine Melitopol 2018 onwards

Purpose: Fostering intercultural exchange and sharing traditions Process: Ms. Natalia Berenga, an artist of Belorussian origin from Melitopol, has been making rag dolls for quite some time but the...

ICC Strategies are in Place in all ICCUA Cities

Ukraine Melitopol Lutsk Odessa Pavlograd Sumy Vinnitsya 2021

Process: As of the end of 2021, all member cities of the ICC-Ukraine network had developed and four of them had officially adopted their ICC City Strategies, which represents a considerable...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Democratic citizenship in Ansan

South Korea Ansan 2020

Under the Public Official Election Act of the Republic of Korea, only Korean nationals aged 25 or older may run for a local election. Those with foreign nationality are not allowed to be a...

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...

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...

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...

Harmony Fest

Australia Ballarat 2010 onwards

Purpose: A unique festival to encourage its citizens to meet and get to know each other Process: Since it was launched in 2010, Harmony Fest has become the City of Ballarat’s vibrant diversity...

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%...

Intercultural Cities Policy and Strategy

Australia Maribyrnong 2018 onwards

Purpose: Developing an Intercultural Maribyrnong Strategy Stimulus/Rationale: In October 2018 Maribyrnong City Council officially started the process towards full membership of the Intercultural...

Refugee Week

Australia Maribyrnong 2020

Purpose: Welcoming Refugees through Refugee Week Stimulus/Rationale: “Refugee week” is Australia’s peak annual activity to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made...

Reducing Racism

Australia Maribyrnong 2019 onwards

Purpose: Reducing racism Stimulus/Rationale: The City Council has an endorsed reducing racism statement and hosts a community reporting tool where reports can be logged about instances of racism to...

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...

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...

Data collection and analysis to counteract discrimination: the case of Barcelona Discrimination Observatory

Spain Barcelona From 2018 - ongoing

Purpose: The Barcelona Discrimination Observatory works, since 2018, to make visible any situations of discrimination in the city, and to contribute to the scale and design of the actions...

Shared Values

United Kingdom Bradford 2022 onwards

Purpose: Identifying shared values to build stronger communities Stimulus/Rationale: Values were identified as key by Bradford Council given how they underpin and motivate behaviours. They are...

Refugee reception and integration policies- pilot project

Sweden Botkyrka 2020

Purpose: The purpose of the pilot project for Refugee reception was to offer answers to questions about how intercultural integration and reception should be handled in the city in order to promote...

Diverse Tenerife – Intercultural Strategy

Spain Tenerife 2016 - ongoing

Purpose: ‘Tenerife Lives Diversity’ is a strategic framework aimed at serving as a reference point for public administrations, associations and the citizens of the island of Tenerife, assisting...

OBITen - The Immigration Observatory of Tenerife

Spain Tenerife 2001 - ongoing

Purpose: The OBITen promoting scientific research into migratory movements on the island of Tenerife. It prioritises the need to apply theoretical knowledge to the planning and management of...

Together in the same direction (Juntas en la misma dirección)

Spain Tenerife 2012 - ongoing

Purpose: ‘Together in the same direction’ is a strategy for managing diversity that brings rigour and clarity to the actions to be implemented. This Strategic Plan also defines three main lines of...

Grupo de Diálogo Interreligioso (Group of Interfaith dialogue)

Spain Tenerife 2017 - ongoing

Purpose: The group of interfaith dialogue promotes spirituality through knowledge and understanding of different beliefs and religious or spiritual developments with a learning attitude. The...

The Diversity Lab

Italy Reggio Emilia 2022

Purpose: The municipality launched the Diversity Lab programme to explore the advantages of cultural diversity, with reference to new plural economies and open innovation processes. An...

Intercultural Interaction: collective healing and memory of this time

Australia Ballarat Maribyrnong Melton 2020

Purpose: Using storytelling to build connections, address fears and ease anxiety. Stimulus/Rationale: In 2020 the Cities of Ballarat, Melton and Maribyrnong launched a Storytelling project...

Maribyrnong - Regeneration with a Focus on the Holistic Community

Australia Maribyrnong 2020

Stimulus/Rationale: The City of Maribyrnong is within the municipality of Melbourne, Australia, and is one of the most multicultural municipalities in Victoria. It aims to be an ‘Intercultural...

Salisbury develops inclusive welcoming and participation actions

Australia Salisbury 2020

Purpose: The “Welcome to Salisbury Information Booklet” and the “Community Engagement Framework” improves the intercultural profile of the Australian city. Process: The comprehensive city-specific...

Sister and Friendship City Policy

Australia Salisbury Ongoing

Purpose: The Australian City of Salisbury has an explicit policy to encourage international cooperation in the economic, scientific, cultural and other areas. Process: The “Sister City and...

Residents’ participation shows meaningful community engagement

Australia Salisbury 2020

Purpose: Salisbury seeks the participation of all residents through community workshops and surveys Process: The adoption of the Intercultural Strategic Plan 2017-2027 of the City of Salisbury was...

Statistics in help of city’s policy formulation

Australia Salisbury Ongoing

Purpose: The City of Salisbury’s Council policy formulation is heavily informed by demographic statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Stimulus/Rationale: Quantitative and qualitative...

Community Grants

Ireland Dublin Ongoing

Purpose: Encourage citizens’ participation and involvement in the city through access to public grants for community projects Process: Community Development is a process where community members...

Public Participation Networks (PPN)

Ireland Dublin 2020

Purpose: A Network to enhance community participation in local government - Promotes social inclusion - Links citizens with local authorities Stimulus/Rationale: Public Participation Networks (PPN)...

Lisbon’s ethnic economy

Portugal Lisbon 2016

Purpose: The study aimed to support the development of immigrant entrepreneurship initiatives in Lisbon, and the main objectives were the following: Provide some basic socio‐economic features about...

Urban art for Intercultural Interaction - “o Bairro i o Mundo”

Portugal Loures 2013-July 2023

Purpose: Regenerating a stigmatised neighbourhood through large-scale art project Stimulus/Rationale: Quinta do Mocho was for many years the most stigmatised of neighbourhoods in Loures, associated...

Local Assemblies

United Kingdom London-Lewisham 2008 onwards

Purpose: A network of citizen forums which empower local decision making and action Process: This programme started in 2008 and consists in a forum during which the Council talks to the residents,...

Educational equality in Oslo. Tackling educational segregation through raising standards

Norway Oslo 2016-

Purpose: The aim of this project is to combat educational segregation through organizational structures, activities and curricula that increase diversity and intercultural learning in public school...

District Mothers

Germany Berlin-Neukölln 2016

Purpose: Migrant mothers reaching out to and integrating other migrant mothers Stimulus/Rationale: Process: The “Stadtteilmütter” (District Mothers) project is targeted at areas under Neighbourhood...

Nachbarschaftsheim Neukölln

Germany Berlin-Neukölln 2016 onwards

Purpose: Community centre that encourages active and informed citizens Stimulus/Rationale: Process: Nachbarschaftsheim Neukölln is a community centre which aims to facilitate social cohesion and...

A city international policy

Italy Reggio Emilia 2016

Purpose: An aspiring intercultural city should have an international policy that seeks, at least in part, to promote a dynamic relationship with places of origin of major Diaspora groups. Such...

Welcoming internationals to the city

Norway Stavanger Ongoing for several years

Purpose: Several years ago, the Stavanger Chamber of Commerce and Industries started a program to introduce international employees and their families to the city. The region’s Welcome Center is...

First Welcome

Italy Reggio Emilia 2016

Purpose: The city is applying an intercultural approach to dealing with welcoming newcomers, via a two-stage process. The First Welcome deals with the basic issues of identification, certification,...

Young Mayor

United Kingdom London-Lewisham 2018 onwards

Purpose: Putting power and responsibility in the hands of young people. Stimulus/Rationale: Lewisham Young Mayor is a robust attempt to put real power and responsibility in the hands of young...

School Approaches for Family Empowerment (SAFE)

Italy Reggio Emilia 2016

Purpose: SAFE aims to reach and involve public servants, intercultural mediators, school principals and families. It has been developed to give the school a central role in the process of social...

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

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...

Don’t Feed the Rumour

Portugal Amadora From September 2014 to May 2015 (still ongoing as part of the municipal strategy for promoting interculturality)

Fight against misconceptions, prejudices, rumours and stereotypes about migrants and the city of Amadora, and provide correct information on migration and ethnic and cultural diversity “Immigrants...