The integration initiative Together in the same direction marks fifteen years of effort in Tenerife, the island representing one hundred nationalities (122 in the southern municipality of Adeje alone). This milestone was commemorated during an event focused on intercultural coexistence, which provided a participatory platform to outline future actions held at the University of La Laguna.
Together in the same direction has been navigating the management of cultural diversity on the island since 2009, with the backing of the Cabildo and the ULL. To mark the occasion, the 18th Insular Roundtable was convened, serving as an open forum to reflect on and discuss upcoming challenges relating to social inclusion.
The “Celebrate to transform” gathering attracted around one hundred individuals of different ages and backgrounds, who came together to review the progress of the initiative and to gather suggestions. The event utilised participatory methodologies, with a particular focus this year on art thinking—an innovative approach using artistic expressions as tools for idea generation.
Institutional
The Minister of Social Action for the Cabildo of Tenerife, Águeda Fumero, expressed her great pleasure at “bringing together one hundred residents of Tenerife, who embody the island’s extensive and rich human and cultural diversity, to forge a progressively inclusive society that aspires to live together in peace.” She concluded, “This is the best way to celebrate the coming of age of the Insular Table and reinforce the commitment of the Boards after fifteen years of successful progress.”
Teaching
According to Vicente Zapata, professor of Geography at the ULL and director of the Boards in the same direction, “through the Insular Roundtable, we reaffirm our dedication to our working network and highlight the key routes of our collective journey.” He notes that this initiative “involves individuals who recognise cultural diversity as one of Tenerife’s core values.” He concludes: “We aim to include many more.”
Participant
“Each year, we eagerly anticipate the Table for Intercultural Coexistence not only to unite us but also to inspire us with the belief that it is possible. Witnessing numerous individuals engaging in this process is motivating,” explains Alexandra Suárez Rodríguez, a participant in the event, who further emphasises: “This encourages you to keep advocating for a more inclusive island.”
Framework
Together in the same direction contributes invaluable elements to the management of diversity on the island through a distinct intercultural approach that promotes inclusion, fostering spaces for coexistence where every individual is acknowledged and can equally contribute to the social, economic, and cultural advancement of Tenerife.
