Intercultural communication and exchange have the potential to be the backbone of social integration for migrants, refugees and other vulnerable groups.

Migrants, refugees and newcomers face particular challenges when they move to countries that are socially and culturally different from their home countries.

Cultural exchange between citizens and migrants can help establish linkages and common ground and set the stage for reducing or eliminating cultural conflict and discrimination against vulnerable groups. By enabling migrants to live amongst host populations, and by helping local communities understand and accommodate refugees and migrants, intercultural exchange can contribute to the elimination of xenophobia, discrimination and the sidelining of migrant communities.

Cultural exchange can take many forms. In many countries, interchanges take place through art forms such as music and cinema, sports activities, peer-to-peer dialogues, and language programs.