The Intercultural Council acts as an advisory board to the Human Rights, Democracy and Innovation Council and other departments and councils in the city that deal with immigration issues. The Intercultural Council aims to engage intercultural communities and bridge Icelanders to them, advocate in the interest of intercultural communities and encourage the development of a harmonious intercultural society.
Who are we?
The current Intercultural Council of Reykjavík is chaired by a group of five representatives and five vice representatives. Two representatives and two vice representatives are appointed by the Reykjavík City Council (one from political majority and ona from minority). Three representatives and three vice represtentatives are appointed by grassroot organisations: Association on Bilingualism, W.O.M.E.N. in Iceland and interest organization Sameyki.
There are also 2 observers in the council.
Role
The Reykjavík Intercultural Council is a consultation platform for foreign citizens of Reykjavík, immigrant organizations, the labour market and city representatives. The Council is an active participant in the making of policy concerning citizens of foreign origin.
The Intercultural Council is an advisory body for the City of Reykjavík’s operations on immigrant issues and supports, in cooperation with City Service Centers, empowerment of social capital and promotion of city institutions to citizens of foreign origin
Objectives
- To provide advice on immigrant matters to Reykjavík City Council and other councils and committees in Reykjavík.
- To work on the interests of immigrants in Reykjavík.
- To promote information and cooperation between the City of Reykjavík and groups of interest working on immigrant matters.
- To make proposals to City Council on immigrant matters and related policy.
- To connect immigrant society and build bridges between immigrants and Icelanders.
- To promote immigrant matters and support a peaceful, intercultural society.
Representatives
Sabine Leskopf, chairman (nominated by the City Council)
Hildur Björnsdóttir, vice chairman (nominated by the City Council)
Nichole Leigh Mosty (W.O.M.E.N. in Iceland)
Renata Emilsson Peskova (Association on Bilingualism)
Alternates
Ellen Jacqueline Calmon (nominated by the City council)
Ragnhildur Alda Vilhjálmsdóttir (nominated by the City Council)
Shelagh Smith (W.O.M.E.N. in Iceland)