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Media Room News UNAOC In The News Integration of migrants is key to cross-cultural relations
Media Room News UNAOC In The News Integration of migrants is key to cross-cultural relations | Integration of migrants is key to cross-cultural relations |
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Inter-Ethnic City Roundtable: Management and Policies for a Better Integration of Migrants" held on Sept. 28th at UNHQ. A High-Level Roundtable on “The Inter-Ethnic City: Management and Policies for a Better Integration of Migrants”, co-organized by the UNAoC, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Permanent Missions of Italy and of Canada to the United Nations, focused on September 28th on the challenges faced by municipalities in integrating migrants into their societies. Participants spoke of the challenges of rapid urbanization and the increasing importance of migration in urban context. They examined good practices and processes for better integration as experienced by local administrators, policymakers and other stakeholders. In his opening remarks, UNAoC High Representative President Sampaio said, “Cultural diversity can spark innovation, stimulate creativity and boost the economy. But we cannot take it for granted. We need policies and common action aimed at the successful integration of migrant populations. In this regard, municipal and local governments play a crucial role in promoting sustainable urban development based on cultural diversity, as a key factor to prevent conflicts and contribute to security and peace.” Other speakers highlighted that globalization and migration have brought about a level of diversity unseen before, with cultural diversity now a main feature in most cities. Participants stressed that integration policies must be coordinated at the urban level. Issues relating to spatial distribution in urban areas should be considered on equal footing as those activities fostering social cohesion. While national governments can create the conditions and provide financial assistance, the real action on integration takes place at the local level. Unanimity was evident from the speakers that those heterogeneous cities which foster integration and inclusiveness have a more competitive edge providing greater social and economic advancements over homogenous cities. The roundtable, held at United Nations Headquarters on the margins of the UN General Assembly, showcased practical integration policies as critical for the improvement of cooperative relations amongst peoples across cultures and religions. It included opening remarks from IOM Director General Swing, from Mr. Enzo Scotti, Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Italy and a video message from President Sampaio, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations. High-level panellists included José Ricardo Franco Montoro, Municipal Secretary of Participation and Partnership from the City of São Paolo, Brazil, and Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. Recommendations from the event will serve in the development of future activities of IOM and the UNAoC, as well as other partners. A webcast of the event can be found at http://www.un.org/webcast. High-Level Roundtable “The Inter-ethnic City – management and policies for a Better Integration of Migrants” – September 2009 |