Genoa has a long tradition of ethnic, cultural and religious pluralism. The Council of Religions was established to jointly represent the confessions present in the city and to involve them in the process of integration of migrants. Genoa counts residents from more than 20 countries, with an increase from 16 857 migrants in 2001 to 35 000 in 2007; migrants represent today 6% of the population in the city. Marriages between migrants and native Italians are also increasing.

The main goals of the Council of Religions are:

• Promoting dialogue between different confessions and with the public administration
• Fostering joint activities of citizens with different cultures and religions
• Encouraging communication and transfer of knowledge between citizens and the public administration

• Policy makers
• Religious communities

The Council of Religions works through regular meetings every three months. In addition, public debates and presentations of the activities of the Council are organised. The Council acts mainly in 4 areas:

• Schools
• Cemeteries and burials
• Migrants and minority groups’ rights
• Religious and ecumenical places of worship

• 16 religious communities and 2 ecumenical associations are involved in the Council (representing 99% of the confessions in the city)
• Publication of a world map of the origin of the religions present in Genoa.

Not available for the moment but an annual evaluation system is currently in process. Success indicators will be:

• Creation of at least one publication per year
• Implementation of at least one joint action per year
• Online documentation about the Council

• Budget of the Council of Religions: 12 000 € per year
• Source: Municipal budget $
• Staff: 2 workers