Project: «Dialogue for New Perspectives»

Migration is a fundamental part of Swiss society, but stereotypes, racism, and discrimination are still present in many places. This drives people apart and creates divisions that are often difficult to bridge. We believe that how we as a society deal with these tensions is crucial: whether we reinforce exclusion or create spaces where dialogue, mutual understanding, and constructive solutions are possible. This is where the new MiPaPe project “Dialogue for New Perspectives” comes in.

With this project, we want to create spaces where migration-related structural conflicts can be dealt with constructively. The aim is to strengthen dialogue and participation, reduce polarization, and make diverse perspectives visible. In the long term, the project aims to help people with migration experience become more involved in social processes, shape coexistence through dialogue and peace initiatives, and increase social cohesion.

The project will start in the canton of Glarus in 2026 and is to be extended to the other cantons, Zurich and Valais, by 2029. The focus is on working together with people with migration experience in a participatory manner to identify the issues that are currently of concern to them. We are planning participatory workshops and dialogue meetings to address local tensions together.

The project follows a step-by-step structure: 

1. Mobilization and network building – laying the foundations
MiPaPe begins by establishing targeted local networks and mobilizing participants – including through outreach work, attendance at public events, and the integration of existing structures. This results in broad and diverse participation.

2. Analysis workshops – identifying issues and areas of tension
Building on this network, people with different migration experiences identify relevant areas of tension in analysis workshops. They contribute their experiences, perspectives, and questions, and we identify together on which conflicts we want to work.

3. Dialogue workshops – developing solutions together
Based on the topics identified, representatives from migrant communities, authorities, business, and civil society come together. Concrete solutions and recommendations are developed in the dialogue meetings.

4. Public event and digital toolbox – making results accessible
The findings and solutions developed are presented at a public event in each canton and compiled in a digital toolbox. This ensures that the results are preserved for the long term and can also be used beyond the project.

MiPaPe sees “dialogue for new perspectives” as a learning opportunity to further develop its own approaches to promoting participation and co-creation and to make them effective in the long term.

Are you interested in getting involved? You’re welcome to reach out.