Max Hahn, Luxembourg's Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees;
Credit: MFSVA
Luxembourg's Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees has reported new record attendance figures for its recent Orientation Day.
More than 930 signatories of the Welcome and Integration Contract and members of the new "Biergerpakt" programme registered for the Orientation Day on Saturday 9 March 2024. The event, organised by the ministry, gave participants an opportunity to familiarise themselves with administrative procedures, the country's institutions and community life in Luxembourg.
During his opening speech, Luxembourg's Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, Max Hahn, emphasised the importance of "intercultural living together" in Luxembourg: "With 73.7% of the population coming from a migrant background - whether first, second or third generation or much further back - you and I – we are all part of this intercultural mix. This mix of languages and cultures, of different experiences and skills enriches life in our country. Let's make this diversity our greatest strength."
During the presentation "The Grower's mindset & the values of Luxembourg", given by the Luxembourg - Let's Make It Happen team, Orientation Day participants had the opportunity to discover the spirit and the values of Luxembourg.
At 40 information desks, representatives of various Luxembourg ministries, administrations and associations were on hand to answer participants' questions on topics related to living together, such as political, civic and community participation, education, diploma recognition and culture.
During interactive workshops, participants could also take a closer look at areas where their commitment can make a difference, such as volunteering, simplifying administrative procedures and combatting racism.
The ministry recalled that, with the entry into force of the new law on intercultural living together on 1 January 2024, the former "Welcome and Integration Contract" programme has been replaced by the "Biergerpakt" and the "Living Together Programme". The "Biergerpakt" is offered to all adult residents of Luxembourg as well as cross-border workers, and enables participants to discover Luxembourg, its languages, customs, culture and institutions through various activities, including the Orientation Day.
