Objectives of the Conference

One of the most defining features of our times is the increased importance of the role of cities in social, economic and political life. Urbanization is still on the rise in many countries around the world. Between the beginning of the 19th century and 1950 the world population residing in urban areas passed from 2% to 30%, while 2007 is the first year in history passing the mark of 50%. To a large extent, the growth of cities is based on international migration, in particular in many parts of Europe where birth rates are falling. The combination of demographic change and increasingly complex patterns of migration lead to an unprecedented diversity of Europe’s urban population, causing new social and economic opportunities but also challenges for the cities, their inhabitants, businesses and institutions.

Integrating Cities II aims to enhance and expand the dialogue on the role and potential of cities in social integration and promote innovative policies and interventions in key areas. One of the key aims is to foster interaction and cooperation between different institutional levels and social actors, horizontally and vertically. The conference promotes the principles of solidarity, subsidiarity and partnership.

Migrant communities are one of the key target groups in policies aiming to promote social integration and cohesion. The conference explores the various aspects of migrant integration policies, using examples and cases studies, and will highlight its importance for the overall policy approach to integration at city level.

A key message is to underline how migration is contributing positively to urban development, and can be an advantage for European cities and societies, not only in relation to the well known demographic challenges common to many member states, but also in terms of cultural enrichment and the promotion of pluralist societies.

Special importance must also be given to the integration of the younger generation as future European citizens and as an important bridge of communication and participation for the migrant families and other members of the community in the host society.

The conference aims to highlight the following key points:

Promote institutional cooperation, between national governments and local administrations and further the role of civil society and voluntary work, as channels of civic and social participation Highlight the role of informal social solidarity networks in the migrant communities (cultural associations, family groups, neighbourhood committees and associations, workers groups etc);

Support and disseminate good practices, as examples that can inspire and stimulate ideas for the approach to integration in European cities;

Develop and promote new opportunities and emerging fields of action for international cooperation in the area of development: the activities of NGOs and of local administrations not only for the integration of migrants, but also for the development of their countries of origin, such as remittances, local investment and co-development projects – the participation of migrant communities in international cooperation programs directed towards countries of origin.