Community event on Friday, 14 November 2025 in Zurich
On Friday, 14 November 2025, the representatives of the projects funded by "ici. here together." will meet for the community event at the Papiersaal in Zurich. Register now!
Papiersaal in Zurich
Conference Program
From 9:30 a.m.: Arrival at Papiersaal (Sihlcity), check-in and coffee
You can easily reach the Papiersaal (Old Sihl Paper Factory in Sihlcity) from Zurich Main Station via the S4 train or tram lines 13, 17, and 5 (Google Maps). The nearest stop is Saalsporthalle.
Kerstin Klauser, Head of Society Affairs and Deputy Head of the Directorate, Federation of Migros Cooperatives
10:30–10:50 a.m.: Opening of the Community Event
Kerstin Klauser welcomes you to the 2025 Community Event. She is the Head of Society Affairs and Deputy Head of the Directorate of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives.
The 2025 Community Event focuses on the theme: «Connected through commitment: together for social integration».
Mandy Abou Shoak, cantonal councillor of the SP in the canton of Zurich
10:50–11:30 a.m.: Keynote by Mandy Abou Shoak
Mandy Abou Shoak has been a cantonal councillor of the SP in the canton of Zurich since 2023.
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.: Exchange in the «ici Archipelago»
12:45–2:00 p.m.: Joint Lunch
2:00–3:15 p.m.: Award Ceremony (Part 1)
3:15–3:30 p.m.: Musical performance from Iman Jah
3:30–4:30 p.m.: Award Ceremony (Part 2)
4:30–4:45 p.m.: Closing
From 4:45 p.m.: Apéro
Moderator: Gabriela “Cachita” Mennel
Cachita (25) makes a statement with her clever and sharp lyrics. The Swiss artist with Cuban roots combines influences from Latin, RnB, and rap, giving her music a distinctive mix of passion and depth.
Her bilingual lyrics – in Swiss German and Spanish – explore female empowerment, self-acceptance, and her Cuban heritage, building a bridge between cultural diversity and personal experience.
Note: If you click on this link, the calendar entry (.ics) will be downloaded.
Infos
Who can participate?
Two representatives from each of the funded projects are invited:
- Funding Cycle I and II
- Changemaker Grants
- Mini Grants
Where will the Community Event 2025 take place?
In the Papiersaal (old Sihl paper factory in Sihlcity) in Zurich. You can easily reach the Papiersaal by S4 or tram 13, 17 & 5 from Zurich main station (Google Maps). The nearest stop is Saalsporthalle.
What does the event cost?
The event including catering is free of charge. Travelling expenses for public transport (2nd class) will be reimbursed. We cannot reimburse car expenses.
In which language will the event take place?
Many speakers will be speaking in German. However, simultaneous translations into French and Italian will be available.
Photo: Urumuri
Organizations contributing to the 2025 Community Event
Urumuri / Iman Jah
Urumuri supports the integration of newcomers and promotes exchange with the local population in Fribourg. The association celebrates diversity and brings people together through music.
Iman Jah is a reggae singer known for lyrics that convey messages of peace, tolerance, and compassion.
He has released several albums exploring themes such as love, peace, and social justice.
With his powerful voice and his roots-rock-reggae style infused with Rwandan melodies, Iman Jah and Urumuri will enrich the 2025 Community Event with a musical performance.
Photo: Crescenda
Crescenda
Crescenda is Basel’s pioneering center for business and self-employment training for women with migration experience. For 21 years, Crescenda has supported women through innovative social entrepreneurship models and vocational training programs, helping them achieve sustainable economic and social independence.
Part of Crescenda’s work focuses on gastronomy – they will contribute to the culinary experience of the 2025 Community Event.
Photo: Social Fabric
Social Fabric
Social Fabric is an independent studio combining local textile production and social integration.
Based in Zurich, the association runs a textile workshop and brings together a community of textile enthusiasts. They organize free sewing courses for people with refugee experience, led by volunteers with and without migration backgrounds.
Through shared creativity, a supportive community emerges – extending beyond sewing itself.
Social Fabric will also contribute their creativity to the 2025 Community Event – stay tuned to see what they’ll bring.
Photo: JulJul
JulJul
The JulJul association combines sustainability and women’s empowerment through its project “Craft for Integration.” The project employs women with a migration background in their trained profession as seamstresses.
They engage in regular work, improve their German skills, and expand their networks.
JulJul works with used and unused textiles, contributing to sustainable consumption through reuse and local production. For the 2025 Community Event, JulJul is preparing small surprises for attendees.
Contact
Seraina Müller
Projekt team "ici. here together."
Swiss Academy for Development
info@ici-gemeinsam-hier.ch
Tel. +41 32 344 30 52