The 11th Integrating Cities Conference, titled “Shaping Our Cities with Migrant and Local Communities,” convened policymakers, city officials, NGOs, and migrant communities to discuss best practices for fostering inclusion and meaningful participation at the local level. Organised by Eurocities under the framework of the UNITES project (part of the European Commission’s AMIF program), the conference highlighted cities as leaders in advancing integration strategies.
ALDA played an active role in the discussions, particularly in the panel “Cities Fostering Safer Spaces for the Participation of Vulnerable Migrants,” featuring Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General. Antonella presented ALDA’s migration strategy, underscoring the importance of creating safe spaces as hubs of empowerment, where migrants can thrive and contribute fully to society. She emphasised ALDA’s vision of migration not as a challenge to be managed but as an opportunity to build inclusive and democratic societies.
Contributions from the Panel
The panel brought together diverse perspectives, illustrating how cities and communities can innovate for inclusion:
- Razan Ismail, representing New Women Connectors, called for shifting the narrative from fear to curiosity by focusing on migrants’ potential rather than their deficits. She highlighted initiatives such as Spain’s #Borrow_My_Vote, a symbolic act of inclusion where citizens vote based on the views of migrants.
- Kirstie Angstmann, an elected member of the Migrants Council and the Women Commission in Freiburg (Germany), reinforced the value of direct involvement in decision-making. Her statement, “Nothing for us without us,” served as a rallying cry for equitable representation.
- Ari Alatossava, Mayor of Oulu (Finland), shared his city’s proactive measures for integrating a rapidly growing migrant population, showcasing how leadership can foster cohesion.
- Daro Sakho, Diversity Manager for the Municipality of Bologna, outlined the city’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion through municipal initiatives.
ALDA’s Migration Hub coordinators also engaged in the conference by attending workshops and participating in exchanges of best practices. Their involvement reinforced ALDA’s dedication to fostering inclusion and democratic participation in migration governance.
Cities at the Heart of Inclusion
The 11th Integrating Cities Conference reaffirmed the critical role of cities in building inclusive societies. Through its contributions and engagement, ALDA continues to champion policies and initiatives that empower migrants and strengthen communities, aligning with its mission to promote local democracy and active citizenship across Europe and beyond.