In a groundbreaking effort, the Center for Cultural Dialogue (CCD), in partnership with the Croatian Football Association and with coordination support from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), has launched the “New Neighbors – Integration through Football” project over the past two years. This innovative initiative aims to foster the integration of refugees into Croatian society through the universal appeal of football, demonstrating the sport’s ability to unite different cultures, promote mutual respect, and facilitate social inclusion.
Established in 2015 in Zagreb, the CCD works with a mission to enhance and support interreligious and intercultural dialogue in the Republic of Croatia and internationally. By fostering a culture of dialogue, the CCD contributes to shared coexistence, acceptance, and understanding among different cultures, nations, and religions. Its programs aim to build an intercultural society through collaboration with all stakeholders and developing policies that create space for social cohesion and acceptance. As a proud member of the Network for Dialogue, supported by the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), the CCD recognises sports as a powerful and positive mechanism for promoting human rights and fostering understanding across diverse cultural backgrounds.
The “New Neighbors” project has effectively organised 30 hours of extracurricular activities, providing essential support in academic duties and Croatian language acquisition for children on the move. This includes covering membership fees for local football clubs, supplying the necessary equipment for their training, and arranging complimentary soccer training sessions for individuals who have been granted international protection in Croatia.
Beyond offering well-known health benefits, sports serve as a vital platform for interaction and integration. They imbue individuals with a sense of purpose, elevate self-esteem, and foster social connections, thereby playing a crucial role in the integration process of newcomers into their new communities by promoting intercultural dialogue and bridging cultural differences.
The success of the “New Neighbors” project has highlighted the integrative power of sports activities, significantly contributing to connecting people on the move with local communities. The CCD continues to emphasise the importance of such initiatives by drafting policy briefs, organising sporting events, and nurturing partnerships with sports clubs that include both newcomers and local members.
The Network for Dialogue, a Europe-wide platform supported by KAICIID, aims to enhance interreligious and intercultural dialogue to promote the social inclusion of migrants and refugees. It gathers a diverse group of faith-based and secular organizations, religious leaders, and scholars to forge effective social inclusion policies and combat prejudice towards migrants and refugees across Europe. By blending a passion for football with a commitment to social inclusion, the “New Neighbors” initiative exemplifies the transformative potential of sports in overcoming cultural divides and fostering a more inclusive society. Through its work, the CCD embodies the spirit of cooperation and dialogue, contributing significantly to creating a welcoming and cohesive community.
Nejra Kadić Meškić, Center for Cultural Dialogue, Croatia
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