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City Spotlight: Nitra, Slovakia

Nitra, one of Slovakia’s oldest cities, is located in the western part of the country at the base of Zobor Mountain along the Nitra River. With a population of approximately 75,000, it serves as the administrative centre of the Nitra Region. Renowned for its rich history dating back to 828, the city has evolved into a key cultural and economic hub. 

 

Nitra engaged Strong Cities for the first time in 2024. Its representatives took part in the Network’s Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative workshop on City Leadership in Maintaining Social Cohesion Amid Global Crises in Columbus (Ohio, USA) in September 2024. 

What is the local government concerned about?

Nitra (Slovakia) faces significant challenges to social cohesion and public safety, due to the spread of hate, extremism and polarisation. The rise of online extremist content has exacerbated societal divisions, with targeted narratives aimed at minority communities. Mis/disinformation about migration has further fuelled prejudices, leading to an increase in hate speech and xenophobic sentiments. These dynamics pose risks to the city’s community cohesion, particularly in light of its growing migrant and refugee communities. The Slovak Republic’s Security Strategy highlights the potential for such tensions to escalate, indirectly fostering support for extremist ideologies. 

Gender-based violence is another pressing issue, with incidents highlighting systemic challenges in protecting vulnerable populations. In 2023, Nitra witnessed a high-profile case where a man was charged with attempted murder after stabbing his partner, underscoring the urgent need for robust responses to domestic violence. While intervention centres offer legal and counselling support, gaps persist, including insufficient shelter availability and inconsistent law enforcement responses. Addressing these issues is critical for fostering an environment of safety and equality within the city. 

How is the local government responding?

Youth Engagement 

In 2022, Nitra became the first Slovak city to implement the Planet Youth programme, modelled on Iceland’s pioneering approach to primary prevention. This initiative focuses on improving the social environment for young people by identifying risk and protective factors to prevent substance abuse, bullying, extremism and other socio-pathological phenomena. By fostering collaboration among families, schools and communities, the programme creates a supportive ecosystem for youth development. Initial surveys in Nitra have yielded valuable insights underscoring the importance of parental involvement, supportive school environments and positive peer influence in mitigating risky behaviours. 

Migrant and Refugee Integration:  

Recognising the growing diversity within its population, Nitra has taken proactive steps to integrate foreigners, including refugees and those under temporary protection. 

In collaboration with the Centre for the Research of Ethnicity and Culture and UNICEF Slovakia, the city adopted the Strategy for the Integration of Foreigners in the City of Nitra by 2035 on 27 June 2024. This comprehensive and forward looking plan aims to foster social cohesion, prevent sioled communitiies and promote the successful integration of newcomers. The local government also established a dedicated integration centre to help welcome migrants to the city. 

Following the onset of the war in Ukraine, the local government swiftly incorporated Ukrainian refugees into its community support programmes. The city launched the Let’s Get to Know Each Other grant scheme, which funds community projects designed to integrate Ukrainian nationals. Initiatives include involving Ukrainian youth in the City’s youth parliament, offering language courses and organising leisure activities. Employing a community coordinator from the Ukrainian population has further enhanced communication and mutual understanding. These efforts have garnered recognition and support from organisations such as UNICEF, reflecting Nitra’s commitment to inclusive community building. 

Addressing Gender-Based Violence 

In response to gender-based violence, the local government in Nitra has implemented several measures to support survivors and address systemic issues. The city funds and otherwise supports an intervention centre to provide comprehensive support, including legal assistance, psychological counselling and social services. Additionally, it actively participates in national campaigns, such as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, to raise public awareness about the issue. These campaigns aim to educate the community, promote zero tolerance for violence and encourage victims to seek help. Lastly, the local government organises training sessions for professionals, including police officers, healthcare workers and educators, to help them recognise signs of abuse and provide appropriate support. 

Community Policing 

Nitra’s municipal police emphasise building trust and fostering positive relationships with community members, including vulnerable groups such as the homeless. Through initiatives such as the Connected by the Street campaign, the police adopt an approach that views the homeless as partners in maintaining safety, rather than as subjects of enforcement. This compassionate and inclusive approach has proven instrumental in promoting public safety and strengthening social cohesion. 

Civic Engagement 

Nitra has implemented the Democrats (Demo-Hráč in Slovak) project, a live-action role-playing game designed to simulate the transformation of a democratic society into a totalitarian regime. This immersive experience educates participants about the processes leading to radicalisation and authoritarianism, fostering critical thinking and resilience against extremist ideologies. With versions tailored for schools and broader community engagement, the project serves as a versatile tool in the city’s prevention strategies. 

What’s next?

Nitra plans to establish multi-generational centres to create safe, inclusive spaces for inter-generational dialogue and understanding. It also prioritises ongoing training for educators, community leaders and law enforcement to ensure the effective implementation of already existing and new prevention initiatives. 

Furthermore, Nitra aims to expand its support for educators through the Regional Teacher Support Center, which provides mentoring, consultations and training to address diverse student needs. The local government is also committed to extending the reach of the Planet Youth programme by involving more schools and community organisations, employing data-driven strategies to develop tailored interventions for young people. 

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