NICOSIA & LARNAKA DISTRICT
Background
The Intercultural Cities (ICC) is a programme by the Council of Europe that supports local authorities in designing and implementing inclusive integration policies. The programme is grounded in the “Intercultural Integration Policy Model,” which focuses on enabling communities, organizations, and businesses to manage diverse populations in ways that value all identities equally, foster social cohesion, and create competitive advantages. Currently, over 130 cities in Europe and beyond are implementing the Intercultural Cities programme, with Citizens in Power (CIP) serving as the regional coordinator in Larnaka from 2021–2024 and in Nicosia from 2023–2024.
Intercultural Cities is more than a capacity-building programme; it is also a platform connecting cities and leaders worldwide, creating a community where initiatives and practices from one city are analyzed and shared to inspire others. The Intercultural Cities Network is a unique laboratory for local policy innovation and a coalition of cities that believe—and demonstrate—that diversity, when managed responsibly and skillfully, is a significant asset for European societies. Regardless of the size of the community, policymakers and citizens can collaboratively envision an open, pluralistic society and bring inclusive democracy to life every day.
LARNAKA DISTRICT
Since becoming the regional coordinator for Larnaka in 2021, CIP has built a strong network of stakeholders committed to intercultural integration. With robust partnerships in place, CIP has already achieved major milestones. The initial phase focused on “Building Structures for Intercultural Integration,” and now, with a solid foundation, the programme has entered the next stage: Enhancing Structures and Policies for Intercultural Integration in Cyprus.
In Larnaka, ICC’s strategy is structured around five core pillars:
- Commitment: A public statement on intercultural integration, signed by municipalities, promotes diversity and unity.
- Media & Communication: Collaborations with UCLan and local media foster responsible reporting through booklets, training, and joint workshops.
- Intercultural Intelligence: Public consultations, city tours, and workshops support intercultural awareness and gather community insights.
- Public Spaces: Guidelines for inclusive public spaces and community-led events ensure spaces reflect diverse needs.
- Education: Language and skill courses promote integration and empower community growth.
NICOSIA DISTRICT
Citizens In Power (CIP) has taken on the role of regional coordinator for the Nicosia District during the 2023-2024 programming period under the initiative “Enhancing Structures and Policies for Intercultural Integration in Cyprus.” This role involves driving a strategy built on five key pillars:
- Commitment: Municipalities publicly commit to intercultural integration by signing statements that uphold diversity and unity.
- Media & Communication: Partnerships with UCLan and local media encourage responsible journalism through educational booklets, training sessions, and collaborative workshops.
- Intercultural Intelligence: Initiatives such as public consultations, city tours, and workshops enhance intercultural understanding and collect valuable community feedback.
- Public Spaces: Development of guidelines and organization of community events promote the creation of public spaces that cater inclusively to the needs of all community members.
- Education: Language and skills development courses foster integration, equipping community members with the tools needed for personal and communal growth.
These pillars guide efforts to build an inclusive society that values cultural diversity and shared progress.
Photo Archive 📸
Explore our Photo Archive documenting the journey of intercultural integration in Cyprus. From city tours and public consultations to cultural events and media workshops, see how communities are coming together to build a more inclusive Cyprus.
Materials Produced 📚
iscover resources created through ICC initiatives, including guides, booklets, and training materials. These resources, developed in collaboration with experts and community members, support ethical media practices, foster intercultural competence, and celebrate diversity.
Public Statement on Intercultural Integration Larnaka signed by Municipalities of Larnaka, Athienou and Aradippou: the signing of a public statement by all three mayors of Larnaka demonstrates a significant political commitment to intercultural integration within the broader context of the city.
Booklet for Ethical Migration Reporting and Intercultural Competence: the Ethical Reporting Booklet is a guideline resource for journalists, media professionals and content creators, designed to promote ethical and accurate reporting on migration. Aimed at supporting training on migration coverage, it provides examples and resources that address common reporting dilemmas faced across media platforms. Its purpose is to help create more inclusive and intercultural cities by equipping journalists with tools to present migrants’ stories fairly and humanistically, moving beyond stereotypes and promoting an ethical approach to news reporting.
Interculturality Checklist: the checklist is designed to assist the Local Authorities of Larnaka District and civil society in assessing whether a proposed project, policy, or action is intercultural in nature.
Skill Development Course Resources
The Language and Skill Development Course Resources provide essential tools and materials for individuals looking to enhance their language proficiency and vocational skills.
Guidelines for Creating an Intercultural and Migrant-Friendly Municipal Website:
Guidelines for optimizing municipal websites to include dedicated sections focused on intercultural integration. These sections can provide valuable resources, information, and support services for migrants and local residents alike, enhancing accessibility and outreach efforts.
Guidelines for Intercultural Use of Public Spaces in Nicosia:
Document with specific guidelines for incorporating interculturalism into the organization of events held in public spaces. These guidelines can emphasize cultural inclusivity, diversity representation, and community participation, ensuring that events reflect the needs and preferences of both local and migrant populations.
Project duration: 01-06-2021 – 30-11-2024
Project Number: REFORM/IM2021/016
This activity is carried out with funding by the European Union via the Structural Reform Support Programme and in cooperation with the European Commission’s DG Structural Reform Support.
