CLIP network examines intercultural relations in European cities

The CLIP (Cities for Local Integration Policy) Network, co-founded by the Congress, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions and the City of Stuttgart in September 2006, is holding a High Level Conference in Brussels on 30 November and 1 December 2009, to discuss intercultural approaches to community-building and cohesion in European cities.

Representatives of more than 30 European cities, whose common aim is to improve the situation of their migrant population, and researchers from top research centres will examine strategies for intercultural relations and innovative approaches to local policies, religion and democracy in Europe and relations with faith communities, as well as good practices of intercultural policies for fostering intercultural dialogue and meeting religious needs.

Gabriella Battaini, Director General of Education, Culture, Heritage, Youth and Sport, presented “Intercultural Cities”, the joint Council of Europe/European Commission programme. “The programme empowers cities to review their policies and governance in order to build their future on diversity. It is based on the idea that diversity should not be feared or simply tolerated but celebrated and positively developed as a source of dynamism, creativity and growth,” she said.

In March 2008, the Congress held a round table on interculturalism in European municipalities, and adopted a recommendation in support of the “Intercultural Cities” programme.