09-07-2007

Developing intercultural models of urban governance is a challenging, complex process. The Intercultural Cities project seeks to trigger and/or enhance this process through developments in governance structures and leadership, the language of public debate and the media, intercultural mediation and cultural policies and action.

Ultimately, this project is about helping people who perform different public roles develop attitudes, skills and mechanisms which improve intercultural interaction and management at the level of cities and their various institutions, organisations and civil society groupings.

A group of international and national experts will work with the authorities and other actors of several pilot cities in order to define with them the key features and success factors of their good practice in relation to governance, public discourse and media ethics, intercultural mediation and cultural policies. Project material (discussion papers, questionnaires, score cards, draft charters, training material etc.) will then be prepared on the basis of the assessed good practice. These will then serve as tools to facilitate the review, discussion and learning processes in the participating beneficiary cities.

The pilot phase of the programme will run for approximately 24 months (January 2008-end 2009). Following the pilot phase, the programme would be reviewed and adapted if necessary. The programme could then be up-scaled and multiplied depending on available interest and resources.

For an application form and further information, please contact Ms Irena Guidikova of the Council of Europe.