The Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) presented the Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) for the 13th time in 2026, recognizing successful and innovative civil society projects in the field of intercultural and interreligious dialogue at both the Austrian and international levels. Each year, in cooperation with the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), the special prize "Integration in Austria" is also awarded to projects that make a significant contribution to integration and social cohesion in Austria. This year's award ceremony took place on October 13, 2026, in the Alois Mock Hall of the BMEIA in Vienna.
Mentoring combines education, integration, and mental health.
The special prize in the ÖIF category for the best Austrian integration project went to the mentoring project "younus" ("you and us") Mentoring. This project brings together children, young people, and parents in challenging life situations with volunteer mentors who provide them with regular support and guidance over an extended period. The focus is on strengthening independence, fostering personal skills, and opening up new educational and developmental opportunities. Through shared activities and personal relationships, children and young people are supported in developing confidence in their own abilities, independently overcoming challenges, and actively participating in their social environment. The project begins in early childhood and demonstrates the contribution that personal commitment and voluntary support can make to successful integration and respectful coexistence.
About the Intercultural Achievement Award
The Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) has been presented since 2014 to successful, innovative projects in the field of intercultural dialogue at the Austrian and international levels. The categories include sustainability, innovation, topicality, technology, media, best Austrian integration project, and religious freedom. The award is open to projects that recognize the opportunities presented by intercultural coexistence and successfully explore new avenues in intercultural dialogue. More information about the Intercultural Achievement Award can be found on the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) website under "Intercultural Achievement Award" and on the website of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) .