ABSTRACT
Chiara Appendino (Turin) emphasises inclusion as a cornerstone of urban well-being, citing Turin’s history of solidarity and community engagement. She highlights the city’s efforts to address complex social issues, such as the occupation of Olympic Village buildings by migrants, through collaborative, non-punitive solutions. Appendino views inclusion as a security issue, arguing that protecting vulnerable populations strengthens social cohesion. She also underscores the importance of cultural events like The St. John and the Book Fair in fostering identity and belonging, though she acknowledges the need to innovate to engage younger generations.
Sandrine Salerno (Geneva) describes Geneva as a multicultural hub where inclusion is fostered through quality of life, cultural diversity and symbolic acts like the Saga of the Giants and The Escalade. She notes the city’s efforts to welcome newcomers and promote participation, though challenges remain in integrating cross-border commuters and balancing urban density. Salerno stresses the role of rituals in creating emotional attachments to the city, even as Geneva evolves rapidly.
Magda Popeanu (Montreal) focuses on inclusion as a pathway to social peace, emphasizing the need to recognise and value diversity. She discusses Montreal’s policies to support vulnerable groups, including undocumented migrants, and the importance of cultural and historical education in fostering belonging. Popeanu highlights initiatives like the Centre des mémoires montréalaises and intersectional tools like ADS+ to address systemic discrimination, underscoring the city’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
Together, the interviews reveal how cities use rituals, policies and community engagement to build inclusive, cohesive urban environments.
