Stefanie Jansen, Deputy Mayor of Heidelberg for the Department of Social Affairs, Education, Family, and Equal Opportunities, recently visited London to meet with His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, in her capacity as representative of the City of Heidelberg, seat of the Office of the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism (ECCAR). The Deputy Mayor was accompanied by Abdullah Uwe Wagishauser, National Chairman of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Germany, and Dr Mubarik Chowdhry, Regional Chairman for the Baden region. The exchange focused on the strategic role of cities in fostering social cohesion, advancing equality, and strengthening civic engagement within diverse urban environments.
The discussion centered on the necessity of structured interreligious dialogue as a tool to build trust and prevent social polarisation. In international and diverse societies, dialogue is recognised as an important tool to build trust and prevent social polarisation for ensuring that all residents can participate in city life. The meeting highlighted how collaborative efforts between local government and civil society actors are fundamental to maintaining social peace and fostering a culture of solidarity. It also highlighted the importance of education and the role of women in community life as foundations for individual responsibility and social participation.
Civic Engagement as a Cornerstone of Inclusive Cities
Many ECCAR cities report that Muslim organisations and communities play an important role in strengthening democratic culture, solidarity, and social cohesion through volunteer work, neighbourhood engagement, social services, youth activities, and intercommunity dialogue. Recognising these contributions helps create a stronger sense of belonging and counters narratives that reduce Muslim communities to objects of security or integration debates.
The example of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Heidelberg reflects broader experiences across ECCAR cities. Over many years, the community has been actively engaged in civic life through charity fundraising, support for people experiencing homelessness, blood donation campaigns, and youth development programmes. This sustained commitment to the common good, supported by regional leadership including Dr. Mubarik Chowdhry, has been publicly recognised by the city through awards for outstanding civic engagement.
Experiences from Heidelberg and many other ECCAR member cities demonstrate that inclusive urban policies are strengthened when municipalities actively support participation, create opportunities for encounter, and acknowledge Muslim communities as essential civic actors within diverse democratic societies.
Addressing Discrimination within the ECCAR Framework
As the seat of the ECCAR Office, Heidelberg plays a leading role in a network of over 180 European cities committed to the implementation of anti-discrimination measures. A central aspect of the exchange involved discussing these strategic efforts, particularly the implementation of local action plans and the use of the ECCAR guidebook on good practices to address anti-Muslim racism. Deputy Mayor Jansen highlighted Heidelberg’s local initiatives, such as the “Round Table Against Racism” and the "Heidelberg against Racism" Community Lab, which bring together civil society and local government to make discrimination visible and develop practical responses.
The cooperation between municipal authorities and faith-based civic actors remains a cornerstone of urban policy aimed at promoting peace and social stability. Strengthening these relationships through continued dialogue and shared responsibility is essential for the long-term protection of democratic values and the advancement of equality within the city.
