In a context of rapid internationalization of economies and cultural production, globalization

causes an important increase of inter- and trans-national migration flows. Diversity and
migration are nowadays major challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean area. The region has
indeed became a laboratory for identities, integration and diversity management, where the
traditional South-North challenge is evolving into a more complex context. Stereotypes and
stigmatization are concerns that have to be tackled; at the same time, the role of the migrant
as a major mediator for intercultural understanding and dialogue in the region is becoming the
more and more significant. It is for these reasons that the ALF has made of Cities, Migrants
and Diversity its priority field of action for the 2010 Call for Project Proposals.

Overall objective

The overall objective of the present Call is to contribute to bring people together and
promote respect for diversity, better understanding and mutual recognition through
intercultural dialogue, sharing common spaces for peace and coexistence.

Proposals should:

• Acknowledge that diversity is the essence of life in communities such as

cities and towns, that diversity brings openness and openness develops citizenship.
And it is the combination of these three elements that can transform cities into better
places for living together. Women and Youth would be the major targeted groups;

• Encourage and support the establishment of local partnerships for change

and exchange, with the participation of NGOs, migrant associations and informal
groups, research centers, artists, local authorities and other key actors in cities and
neighborhoods;

• Promote and support a culture of peace and coexistence, especially

among the young generations of mixed and neighboring communities, and in areas of
conflict and crisis, with means of intercultural expression and action.

This call covers the ALF fields of “Migration, cities and diversity” and “Peace and
coexistence”. Proposals addressing the interconnections and complementarities
between the two ALF fields mentioned above will also be taken into account.

Specific objectives

Applications addressing one or more of the following specific objectives will be rewarded in
the selection process:

• Promoting a better knowledge of social and cultural diversity of

populations with a migration background (in terms of languages, cultural
practices, religious diversity, community life among others), especially in urban
areas;

• Supporting transnational civil society actions focused on the role of

populations with migration origins, refugees, minorities and diasporas as bridges for
intercultural dialogue in the Euro-Med Region. Empowering the role of migrants
as actors of developmentand as agents for improved mutual perception inside host
communities and withcommunities of origin.

• Encouraging inter-cultural approaches in dealing with social integration and

public participation of migrants. Supporting programs working on capacity building
and encouraging the joint involvement of migrants and nationals. Fostering artistic
creation on issues related to migration.
• Developing practices strengthening social cohesion in multicultural contexts,
working on changing perceptions valuing diversity as an asset, challenging and
preventing stereotypes and xenophobia.

• Starting innovative actions in the field of peace and coexistence with an

intercultural approach, building upon local needs, ownership and support, and
investing in key civil society actors such as journalists, human rights educators, youth
leaders, artists and activists.

• Developing a common understanding of the concepts and terms of

coexistence, reflecting on the different existing narratives of conflicts and exploring
effective ways of creating a culture of reconciliation. Promoting a culture of peace
and non-violenceas a value and as a practice among the young generations (in
conflict and post-conflict areas of the Euro-Med region).