Policy on the Intercultural City of Reykjavík
On Dec. 16, 2025, the Reykjavík City Council approved the Intercultural City Reykjavík 2026-2030 policy. This policy is accompanied by an action plan.
Guiding principles
The policy serves as a guiding principle for all city operations, and its priorities are incorporated into Reykjavík's activities and overall policy. This work is based on the best available knowledge and experience.
Each City department takes the lead in this policy area within its own department and ensures that the policy and inclusive practices are implemented across all its operations.
Immigrants are residents, employees, service users and partners of all departments and offices of Reykjavík City, and this is reflected across all operations.
Core policy
Reykjavík's Intercultural Policy is one of the City's main policies and is integrated with other City policies, as nearly all City activities directly or indirectly affect the health and well-being of all residents.
The Policy supports goals of the Green Deal, Reykjavík City's strategic plan to 2030, aiming for economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
By removing barriers for immigrants, this also paves the way for other groups in society, such as those who need easy-to-read text, have dark skin or have sign language as their native language.
The Intercultural City
Reykjavík is an empowering, sustainable and diverse urban community that encourages active participation, ensures safety and promotes the well-being of all. To promote positive development in modern society, it is necessary to accept and celebrate its diversity.
- Reykjavík City is committed to welcoming new residents.
- Reykjavík City adopts an inclusive approach that includes respecting people's diversity and always planning for it.
- Reykjavík City strives to engage all people in participation, enables a diverse group of people to participate in decision-making on their own terms, creates a safe environment and promotes the well-being of all.
- Reykjavík residents with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds feel they are part of the urban community and have opportunities to be active participants.
- Reykjavík City aspires to be a service-oriented workplace that meets people's needs regardless of origin.
Reykjavík City has a four-part role that affects how City units promote inclusion and multiculturalism:
Reykjavík City as a governing body
As a government authority, Reykjavík City has set itself the goal of being a leader regarding equality, human rights and cooperation with residents of foreign origin. Decisions made by the City are transparent and are guided by the interests of residents and the City's obligation to provide guidance. The City is responsible for establishing connections with and sharing information with residents who have diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Reykjavík City as an employer
As an employer, Reykjavík City systematically combats discrimination. The City actively works to ensure employees benefit from their strengths at City workplaces, regardless of origin, and receive the support they need to fully utilize their abilities. Diversity is a strength, and the City aims to increase the number of immigrants in positions of responsibility.
Reykjavík City as a service center
As a service provider, Reykjavík City systematically develops services, cultural activities, education and information sharing for the benefit of a diverse society. Everyone should have equal access to services tailored to their diverse needs. City employees show initiative in providing services because they understand that immigrants may be less familiar with the system and their rights than other residents. Positive interaction and mutual respect should be reflected in all City services.
Reykjavík City as a partner and client
As a partner and client, Reykjavík City emphasizes cooperation with other organizations addressing immigrant issues. The City requires that all parties it does business with respect the rights of their employees. The City supports immigrants' innovation and their initiatives in job creation.
Action plan goals
The main goals are set forth here, but Reykjavík City departments will themselves propose actions to achieve these goals, which they submit to their specialized council for approval, or to the City Executive Council where applicable.
Immigrants are over 20% of residents, but this policy is expected to benefit an even larger group, such as Reykjavík residents with dark skin who may experience similar challenges.
Directives:
- The departments are to familiarize themselves with the policy and analyze how this policy area affects their operations as employer, service provider, partner and client.
- Following this, the departments will develop time-bound actions for this policy based on the priorities outlined here.
- Action plans must be submitted for approval to the departments' councils before March 1, 2026, when applicable, and will then be incorporated into operational and financial planning as needed.
- The Human Rights Office will monitor implementation of the policy and provide annual updates on the progress of each department's action plan.