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December 6, 2011

Anna Lára Steindal, framkvæmdastjóri

Rau i krossinn á Akranesi

Skólabraut 25a

300 Akranes

Dear Anna,

I am writing this short evaluation of the Conference, “Tearing Down the Walls” held in

Akranes, Nov. 5-6, 2011 in response to the request made by the Akranes’ Red Cross. In

doing so, I will be guided by the following criteria:

• To establish a close cooperation between different actors in the field of

migration in order to promote the best possible use of human resources, finance and

efforts.

• That all migrants get to enjoy their talents, education and basic rights.

• That the diversity and benefits of the multicultural society are fully recognized

Before I address these criteria, I want to state that I feel honoured and privileged to have

taken part in this significant event not only at the national level (i.e. Iceland), but also on the

international scene where the backlash against immigrants has gained a momentum. As the

global economic crisis reduced the employment opportunities among the native-born

populations in the Western countries, many countries began questioning the value of

multiculturalism and have declared it either “failed” or “unsustainable”. The conference in

Akranes was remarkable because, in spite of the country’s economic challenges, it brought

together policy makers, researchers, immigrants and immigrant-service organizations in a

fruitful, honest dialogue about the present and future of immigration in Iceland, its

challenges, its successes and its future directions. In my view, Iceland sets an example for

the rest of the world how, even in the most difficult economic times, a country can be

considerate and caring in its approach to integration of immigrants and refugees in both

meeting their needs and increasing their chances of success in the host society. I was

particularly impressed by the effort made by the municipal government of Akranes in

addressing the needs of these groups, and the attention paid to the school system as a vehicle

of social change in the mainstream population of Iceland’s attitudes towards immigrants as

well as the newcomer population’s appreciation of the Icelandic culture, language and

tradition.

During my week-long visit in Iceland, I was able to not only participate in many meetings

with officials at all levels of government, but also to get a sense of the many programs

offered by the different Red Cross societies (i.e. in Akranes, Borgarnes, and Reykjavík) that

aim at involving newcomer children, youth and families in meaningful activities that also

include native-born Icelanders. In such activities trust and friendships are developed, and

everyone has a chance to demonstrate their strengths and abilities. Preparing and sharing

meals together is a sign of respect and friendship in many countries in the world, and my

experience in participating in such a program in Akranes convinced me that the program has

succeeded in making such friendships a reality for newcomers from all different parts of the

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world. The achievement of such programs’ goals becomes especially visible in events like

the Conference where the role of volunteers is absolutely crucial to their success. I was

astonished to discover that the Red Cross of Akranes which organized the event had only

four staff and the rest was accomplished with the help of volunteers. The conference was

carried out seamlessly from the flowers on the main stage, to the delicious food for lunch

and snacks, to the website keeping everyone who was unable to participate in person to be

well informed about the event. What the Conference demonstrated, however, was that

immigrants not only worked “behind the scenes” but were “on stage” as well, presenting and

participating on panels with government officials, politicians, and researchers.

For me, this was the most valuable aspect of the conference as it sent a very clear message:

we can and do learn from each other in a society that values equality and respects human

dignity and rights. It was quite clear to me that the path Iceland is taking in integrating

newcomers was based on embracing diversity in its richness while acknowledging the

challenges and barriers to such an open approach. The interactions between the native-born

Icelanders and the newcomers that I was able to observe and take part in as well as all

participants’ willingness to engage in an open dialogue, will lead the country to prosperity

built on the strengths of all its citizens. Based on the meaningful conversations I had with

school staff in both Akranes and Borgarnes, I am particularly optimistic about the role

schools will play in this process.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Conference and to meet so many caring,

competent and passionate people.

Sincerely yours,

Anna Kirova, PhD

Professor, University of Alberta

Edmonton, AB

Canada