Particularly in Paphos, where the rapid growth of recent years has brought about significant differences in its population composition due to the mass settlement of immigrants from the Middle East and Africa, the issue of diversity and social or ethnic discrimination is becoming particularly topical and multidimensionally important, said Paphos Mayor Faidonas Faidonos.
According to the Mayor of Pafos, the declared objective of the European Union to get to know and develop understanding between peoples, to promote peace, cooperation and friendship, to eliminate prejudice and racist attitudes, sets before us one of the greatest challenges that modern society has to face at the dawn of the 21st century.
This is to ensure the necessary balance between the need to preserve and enhance the national identity of peoples and the need for peaceful and creative coexistence of different ethnic groups and societies.
He added that much still needs to be done to realise this great European vision, since the problems arising from the increase in migratory flows towards the European Union, the issues arising from the multicultural composition of modern societies, and the issue of discrimination and prejudice that many groups of the population unfortunately continue to suffer, are phenomena that we must tackle with courage and determination.
Mr. Faidonos also said that alarmism is not allowed, but neither is indifference or complacency. With concrete actions and innovative initiatives, with a realistic approach and the right approach, all organized bodies, as well as active citizens, have an obligation to address the problem and provide, in a timely and effective manner, the appropriate solutions.
He added that since the Intercultural Cities Programme (ICC), cities have proven that diversity can be used as a tool, expanding the social and economic benefits for heterogeneous communities and minimizing the potential negative consequences.
As the Municipality of Paphos, he said, we are fully aware of the decisive role we are called upon to play and assured that the Municipality of Paphos has the will to morally support and materially strengthen any effort that contributes to the acceptance of diversity and the well-being of all citizens without exception through the provision of equal opportunities and equal treatment at all levels and in all areas.
On the first meeting of the intercultural network of the Paphos district, in the framework of the European project "Building structures for intercultural integration in Cyprus", he said that this initiative sends an optimistic message that citizens can and want to put aside any differences and, within the framework of the big European family, build together a happy future free of discrimination, prejudice and racist attitudes.
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