The Multidimensional Reality of Migration in Cities

244 million persons were living outside their countries of origin in 2015. A large share of migrant populations lives in urban areas. Concentration of population in urban areas is forecasted to considerably increase in the decades to come and so will the number and diversity of international and domestic migrants. Their social, economic and cultural impact is significant. Uncatered for in the environment they live in alienated populations may negatively impact social cohesion and represent factors of instability. Provided with human rights based consideration and supported by proper inclusion policies and services, their potential represents a key factor of sustainable urban development and prosperity. That is why the multidimensional reality of migration at local level demonstrates that cities must develop effective migration governance policies and capacities to complement and strengthen international and national ones. In this context, the side-event will provide the opportunity to reflect on the issue and place of migration in the New Urban Agenda. Exchanges will certainly highlight that this multidimensional reality of migration in cities is not only worth understanding, but also that the price of not addressing it would be far too great. To support the discussions, the side-event will draw on preliminary results of the Mediterranean City-to-City Migration (MC2CM) project. Bringing together the cities of Amman, Beirut, Lisbon, Lyon, Madrid, Tangiers, Tunis, Turin and Vienna the project aims to contribute to improved migration governance at city level through dialogue, knowledge and action. Funded by the European Union and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the project is implemented by ICMPD, UN-HABITAT and UCLG. The event will also be supported by the complementary EU-funded MIgration EU eXpertise (MIEUX) initiative, offering short-term expertise upon requests from partner countries’ administrations, regional organisations, as well as cities and other actors involved in migration and mobility.