Roth: Culture is crucial for living together in diversity

In the heart of Germany, a coalition of social partners, media, religious organizations, and civil society collectively revamped their 2017 paper, titled the "Cultural Integration Initiative." The 15 new theses, unveiled at the Chancellery, emphasize the significance of cultural integration as the cornerstone for living harmoniously in a cosmopolitan nation. These insights, according to the "Integration Initiative," are pivotal in fostering a cohesive society, free of prejudice and segregation.

Minister of State for Culture, Claudia Roth (Greens), commends their tenacity. In her view, this initiative can fortify dialogues and boost understanding in a vibrant, multicultural society. Her vision includes cultivating a culture of democracy, one that uplifts the whole society and encourages engagement from all corners, even in the migration context. This approach should also incorporate a contemporary method to memories, preserving them interchangeably in an immigration-rich culture.

The revised plan reveals four core elements to empower refugees and enhance compatibility in Germany:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: By conducting surveys and holding focus group discussions, the initiative can accurately identify challenges faced by newly arrived refugees, ensuring personalized support that addresses their unique needs.
2. Capability Building: Workshops and targeted training programs can equip refugees with the necessary tools to navigate their new surroundings, facilitating their smooth adaptation to German society.
3. Customized Plans: Developing personalized integration plans allows refugees to set achievable goals, access required resources, and create a roadmap tailored to their individual circumstances.
4. Community Engagement: By promoting cultural exchange events, the initiative builds bridges between newcomers and local communities, fostering understanding, trust, and mutual respect.

Although Minister of State for Culture, Claudia Roth, is not directly involved in this initiative, her role in advocating for cultural policies promotes the welfare of migrants and the creation of an inclusive, integrated society in Germany. Although her approach to the Documenta art exhibition, featuring antisemitic images, has been controversial, her commitment to cultural policies underscores the need for artistic expressions that foster resilient and united communities.

Sources:

1. "Pathways to Joyful Integration"