Dialogue Across Cultures: Interview with Deborah Semedo

Interview with Deborah Semedo (Intercultural Living Together Coordinator, Municipality of Bettembourg, Luxembourg)

Question 1 – Inclusion and multicultural society

Luxembourg is a deeply multicultural society, where people of different origins, languages and cultures live together on a daily basis.

In your work within the equal opportunities department, you are directly in contact with these realities.

In your opinion, what are the main challenges today related to inclusion and living together in a society like Luxembourg?

In my work with the municipality of Bettembourg, I see every day how cultural diversity is an integral part of local life. It's a real asset, but it also requires constant support so that everyone can find their place.

The main challenges I encounter often relate to the language barrier and access to information. Some people do not participate in local life simply because they lack the right information or do not feel comfortable enough to get involved.

Citizen participation is also an important issue. Newcomers, in particular, are not always familiar with existing structures or may feel they lack the right to get involved.

On the ground, I also see that social cohesion must be actively maintained. It is important to prevent people from remaining in closed circles and to create opportunities for residents to meet.

Our role, as a municipality, is truly to build bridges, facilitate access to services, and foster exchanges. Living together is built daily, with and for the residents.

Question 2 – Prevention of tensions and conflicts

In everyday life, many tensions are not always visible, but often originate from misunderstandings or cultural differences.

Based on your experience, how can local institutions help prevent these tensions before they escalate into full-blown conflicts?

In my experience, tensions rarely arise directly. They often appear from misunderstandings, a lack of information, or cultural differences that are not always understood.

That's why preventative work is essential. On the ground, our close contact with residents allows us to detect certain sensitive situations quite quickly.

Mediation plays a central role in this context. It provides a neutral space where everyone can express themselves and be heard, before the situation deteriorates.

We also try to create opportunities for people to meet, through participatory projects or intercultural events. These are important spaces because they allow people to get to know each other better and overcome certain prejudices.

Finally, I note that clarity of information is fundamental. Accessible and multilingual communication helps avoid many misunderstandings.

Preventing tensions is first and foremost about working on human relationships and building a climate of trust.

Question 3 – The role of institutions in intercultural dialogue

Public institutions play an essential role in connecting with citizens and creating a balanced social climate.

How can these institutions concretely encourage dialogue between cultures and strengthen the sense of belonging among residents?

At the local level, I think our role is really to create opportunities for residents to meet and exchange ideas.

In practical terms, this involves organizing local activities, intercultural events, and participatory projects. It is often in these informal moments that connections are most naturally formed.

I see that when people have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas, it helps to deconstruct certain preconceived ideas and strengthen mutual respect.

Citizen participation is also very important. When residents are involved in the life of the community, they develop a stronger sense of belonging.

For our part, we also strive to make information accessible and to value diversity as an asset.

A sense of belonging cannot be decreed: it is built over time, through relationships, recognition and trust.

Question 4 – Equal opportunities in a diverse society

Equal opportunity is a fundamental principle, but in reality, some people may feel left out or less understood.

In your opinion, what are the most important factors to guarantee genuine equality of opportunity in a multicultural society?

In my work, I observe that equal opportunities cannot be merely a theoretical principle. It must be adapted to the concrete realities of individuals.

One of the most important elements remains access to information. When it is not clear or accessible, some people are quickly marginalized.

That is why we work with multilingual materials and make sure to adapt our communication.

Individualized support is also essential. Every journey is different, and it's important to be able to listen to and guide people according to their needs.

Combating prejudice and discrimination is also part of this work, as is promoting citizen participation.

Finally, I note that meeting spaces play a key role: they allow for genuine social mixing and reinforce the feeling of equality.

Ensuring equal opportunities ultimately means giving everyone the real means to participate in the life of the community.

Question 5 – Communication and mutual understanding

In a multicultural environment, communication can sometimes be a source of misunderstandings, particularly due to linguistic or cultural differences.

How can we improve communication and mutual understanding between people from different cultures?

In a multicultural context like that of Bettembourg, I see that communication can sometimes be a daily challenge.

Misunderstandings do not only arise from language, but also from cultural differences, including in the way of expressing oneself or interpreting certain situations.

To improve this, we are working extensively on the clarity of our messages. It is important to use simple, accessible language, and when necessary, multilingual or visual aids.

But beyond the tools, I think the most important thing is the attitude. Active listening, patience, and respect are fundamental.

Informal moments of meeting are also very valuable, because they allow for the creation of more natural links between residents.

Ultimately, good communication is first and foremost about wanting to understand the other person.

Question 6 – Mediation and management of social tensions

In some cases, dialogue may be enough to defuse tensions, while in others, a more structured intervention becomes necessary.

In your opinion, what role do mediation and dialogue play in managing social tensions today?

In my experience, mediation plays a truly central role in managing tensions.

It allows for the re-creation of dialogue in a neutral setting and gives everyone the opportunity to express their point of view.

But I would say that its effectiveness also relies heavily on the work done beforehand. Being present on the ground, listening, and maintaining close contact often allows us to intervene before situations become too complex.

We are also trying to develop spaces for dialogue and maintain transparent communication with residents.

Trust is a key element in this process. Without it, it is difficult to intervene effectively.

Mediation is therefore both a tool for resolution and a real lever for prevention.

Final question – Vision for the future

In a world where societies are becoming increasingly diverse, the question of living together is central.

What message would you like to convey to citizens to promote a more inclusive, respectful, and open society?

In an increasingly diverse society, I believe that living together is a shared responsibility.

The message I would like to convey to the residents of Bettembourg is that everyone has a role to play.

In everyday life, it is often simple gestures that make the difference: taking the time to listen, showing respect, remaining open to others.

Cultural diversity is an asset, but it also requires curiosity and commitment.

I am convinced that everyone should be able to find their place and feel recognized, regardless of their origin or background.

Living together is not built overnight. It is a long-term endeavor, based on human relationships, trust, and the involvement of everyone.