Social Affairs and Housing Policy in Siegen: Focus on Integration and Inclusion in February 2026

Integration and Inclusion as Central Pillars of Social Policy in Siegen

In an increasingly diverse city like Siegen, social affairs and housing policy are no longer isolated topics but central pillars of urban development. In February 2026, the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration set a milestone for the future of inclusion and integration policy through several decisions. The aim is not only to accept the diversity of the population but to actively promote it and integrate it into political structures.

Appointment of Jury Members: Diversity and Expertise in Focus

The appointment of jury members for the promotion of intercultural coexistence and the Inter-Cultural Engagement Award was a central decision-making process in the committee. The juries deliberately reflect the diversity of the population and are intended to act as multipliers for tolerance and understanding.

For the promotion of intercultural coexistence, a list of twelve members was selected, including representatives from NGOs, political parties, and individuals. The decision was passed with 12 yes votes, one no vote, and one abstention, indicating broad acceptance of the concept.

For the Inter-Cultural Engagement Award, the jury was finally confirmed unanimously with one abstention. Members such as Hanan Tahmaz, Veli Aydin, and Dudu Halici bring not only cultural but also political and social competencies to the jury. The uniformity of the votes underlines the importance of the topic for the political class.

Advisory Boards and Working Groups: Structural Anchoring of Inclusion

Another focus was the reappointment of advisory boards. Veli Aydin was elected to the Senior Advisory Board with 6 yes votes, 2 no votes, and 6 abstentions, while Ahmed Hussein was appointed unanimously to the Inclusion Advisory Board. These decisions reflect a deliberate effort to include the voices of disadvantaged population groups in political decision-making processes.

In addition, working groups for event planning and public relations were established. These structures are crucial to making the work of the committee visible and actively bringing it into the city's social fabric. The planned award ceremony in November 2026 and the Anti-Racism Action Day in March 2026 show that the city of Siegen not only acts on a political level but also remains symbolically present.

Outlook: Integration as a Continuous Process

The decisions made in February 2026 mark a milestone in Siegen's social policy. They show that integration and inclusion are not only discussed at the political level but also actively shaped. The inclusion of citizens in jury and advisory board work is a step towards participatory policy.

In the future, it will be important to strengthen these structures and make their results visible in the city's society. The exchange with the State Integration Council is another sign that Siegen is actively fulfilling its role as a university city and a place of integration.