On May 27, 2025, a panel discussion on the topic of “Intercultural Exchange” took place as part of the XChange Düsseldorf project. Four participants shared their personal perspectives and experiences:
Renas spoke about his escape from Syria and his life in Turkey and Lebanon. For him, language is a key tool for successful exchange and a valuable instrument for building bridges between cultures.
Ahmet, a poet, reflected on how intercultural exchange is represented in European texts and poetry – especially in the works of Herder and Goethe. He illustrated how literature can contribute to the appreciation of cultural diversity.
Houda addressed the topic of cultural appropriation, with a particular focus on the fashion industry. She emphasized the importance of distinguishing between appropriation and appreciation. As a positive example, she highlighted music, where artists name their sources of inspiration and approach them with gratitude.
Meryem focused on the prerequisites for genuine intercultural exchange and the importance of intercultural competence. She stressed that mutual respect, openness, and the willingness to engage with one another are fundamental elements.
The event was well attended, with the audience asking many questions and actively participating in the discussion. The lively atmosphere generated lasting momentum that is of great significance for the XChange project. The panel discussion impressively demonstrated how important intercultural exchange is – especially in a city like Düsseldorf – and the valuable contribution XChange makes in this regard.
