Migration and cultural diversity shape all areas of our lives, and have a major influence on society in Switzerland. They hold a great deal of potential for the development of our society, but they also present us with new challenges every day. Other ways of life, unknown languages, religions, views, and values may appear drastically different, but can also enrich and enliven the cultural, social, and political environment. Uncertainty and prejudice often leads to marginalization, exclusion and discrimination against individuals and groups. Being open to the "foreign" and "unknown" and engaging in dialogue can be difficult, but it is the constructive alternative for making living together possible while respecting one another.

This dialogue can be carried out in all areas of society: in politics and in business, as well as in schools and neighborhoods. To really make this possible, instruments and incentives need to be created with which ideas and information exchanges among the various groups of society are stimulated and promoted while a reflection about existing plurality is carried out.

Putting theory into practice

SAD stands at the crossroads of scientific reflection and the practical implementation of intercultural dialogue. The topic emphases are social integration and intercultural encounters. Integration means both a common and constructive arrangement for living together in a pluralistic society, as well as the participation of all parties involved in this process. In studies, evaluations, awareness-raising and education projects, we gather and impart important knowledge relating to these topics. In addition, we organise intercultural colloquia and forums to allow various groups to discuss and share their ideas.

The activities of SAD in the area of Intercultural Dialogue include:

• Scientific studies and evaluations, which form an important foundation and knowledge for integration and intercultural dialogue.
• Education and sensitization projects, through which the exchange between different individuals and groups is promoted; and prejudices and cultural barriers are transcended.
• Pilot projects, in which new approaches are tested and new knowledge is gained. The findings from these projects feed into the development of instruments, the scientific knowledge pool and into regional, cantonal and national integration politics.
• The drafting of “best practices” for integration projects and for integration policy, advising authorities, firms and organizations of civil society.

Services

Interkulturelles Monitoring Diversity management for your business

Workshop Intercultural Underständing
Having fun and promoting cultural understanding

for example:

Moving toward Integration
Sport as means of promoting social integration

CRoNo
An evaluation of three integration projects of the Red Cross in Spain

Intercultural Dialog Turkey
Developing a culture of dialogue: perspectives for joint action

Niklaus Eggenberger
Teamleader
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+41 (0)32 344 30 53

Islamischer Religionsunterricht im Schulhaus - Ein Projekt in Kriens und Ebikon
Elke-Nicole Kappus, 2003, 431KB, german only

Le chameau dans la neige et autres récits de migration (Lausanne, 2007; french only)

Xenophilia-Switzerland The intercultural game about yourself and other (Biel, 2005; german and french)

More ..