euch Mediation in the intercultural city: rationale, realities and challenges «Enhancing the Skills and Identity of Cultural Mediators in a multicultural Europe», Patras, 8-9 January 2014

Intercultural mediation in cities rationale

INTEGRATION POLICY MATRIX Economic rights Civil & social rights Cultural rights Community building & cohesion Guest worker v Assimilation vv Multiculturalism vvv Interculturalism vvvv

Types of mediation

MIGRANTAS

The Intercultural Integration approach considers diversity as an opportunity and migrants as a resource

Intercultural policy

Intercultural Cities Index Content and Composition AreaSubjectsNo. of indicators CommitmentPublic statement, city strategy, city action plan, budget, communication (speeches, webpage) 9 Intercultural lensEducation system, residential neighbourhoods, public services, business and labour market, cultural and civil life, public space 30 Mediation and conflict resolution Professional service for mediation, sort of mediation organisation inter-religious relations 3 LanguageCities’ provision of language courses; financial support, image of migrant languages 3 Relations with the local media Positive image, city’s information service, support for journalists with minority background, city monitor 4 Open and international outlook Policy for international co-operation, financial provision, agency, students & city life, economic relations with countries of origin of its migrant groups 6 Intelligence and competence Information, surveys, intercultural competence of its officials3 Welcoming new arrivalsAgency, city-specific package, different groups, public ceremony to greet newcomers 4 Governance and leadership Right to vote, elected politicians and voters representing minorities, representing minorities schools and public services 4 Source: ICC-questionnaires, BAKBASEL.

Comparison of city samples with more/less than 200’000 inhabitants Note: Scores: best value = 100. Source: ICC-questionnaires, CoE

Comparison of city samples with more/less than 15% foreign-borns Note: Scores: best value = 100. City sample with more/less than 15% foreign-borns/non-nationals Source: ICC-questionnaires, CoE

CHALLENGES FOR INTERCULTURAL MEDIATION Avoid essentialism and cultural relativism Orient mediation towards empowerent Clear legal, political and financial framework Mainstream intercultural skills

Can intercultural mediation help realise the diversity advantge?