19/12/2025
Novo mesto Celebrates Multiculturalism: Migration as a Bridge Between People
Yesterday, Novo mesto marked International Migrants Day with an event highlighting solidarity, understanding, and the richness of cultural diversity. Held at Novi trg as part of the international CISOMO II project, the event brought together expert perspectives, personal stories, and practical experiences of multiculturalism, demonstrating that migration is a vital connecting element in modern society.
The successful local implementation of the event resulted from close cooperation between Zavod Boter and the Association for Developing Voluntary Work Novo mesto (DRPD). The partnership between these two organisations is crucial, as their fieldwork provides direct support to migrants integrating into the local community and creates space for open and constructive dialogue.
The event began with an expert overview of migration trends in Slovenia, delivered by Primož Jamšek from the Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants. He presented current developments, challenges, and opportunities in migration and integration. This was followed by a roundtable discussion, the central part of the morning programme, offering insight into four powerful and very different personal migration stories.
Kateryna fled to Slovenia due to the war in Ukraine. Her journey – successfully completing secondary school and enrolling in medical studies in Maribor – demonstrates the importance of personal perseverance, a sense of safety, and systemic support. Milica arrived in Slovenia from Serbia for economic reasons and family reunification. Today, she is an indispensable member of DRPD, where she supports others; her story highlights that integration challenges exist even in culturally and linguistically similar environments.
A unique perspective on migration was shared by Daniela, who came from Venezuela under the repatriation law, which enables persons of Slovenian descent to return to their country of origin for permanent settlement. As a national champion in oriental dance, she illustrated how art can serve as a powerful bridge between cultures. Romain from Côte d’Ivoire arrived in Slovenia as an undocumented migrant. Despite his high level of education and extensive experience in strategic communication, he began his journey working as a forklift driver, raising important questions about the recognition of foreign qualifications in the labour market.
The speakers openly addressed their initial difficulties, bureaucratic obstacles, cultural shocks, and feelings of uncertainty, as well as their current situation, having built new lives in Novo mesto. They emphasised that Slovenia represents a safe home where they were warmly welcomed, and they shared their hopes and aspirations for the future.
Enthusiasm for the event continued in the practical part of the programme. The celebration concluded with the culinary workshops “Flavours of the World”, where participants prepared Ukrainian, Turkish, Nepalese, and Palestinian dishes, discovering that food knows no borders and that integration often happens most naturally in the kitchen. A shared dinner and relaxed social gathering rounded off the day in a spirit of connection and mutual respect.
The CISOMO II project, co-funded by the European Union and bringing together partners from eight countries, once again demonstrated that Novo mesto is an important hub for an inclusive, open, and solidarity-based future – one in which diversity is understood not as a challenge, but as a strength.
