By Julien Simon, ICMPD Head of Mediterranean
Being part of the 2022 UCLG World Congress represents the coronation of over 10 years of fruitful cooperation between ICMPD and UCLG, in the framework of the Mediterranean City to City Migration (MC2CM) project, in making sure that the voice of cities and local authorities is heard in global migration governance policy and cooperation. It is once again an opportunity to solidify the commitment of both organisations.
We welcome the launch of the Lampedusa Charter for Dignified Human Mobility and Territorial Solidarity which represents an important milestone, drawing on the legacy of our joint efforts to bring urban migration governance on the global agenda. The Charter also provides a solid basis to continue our pursuit of partnership steered by the principle of “Joint Leadership, Shared Responsibility” and building upon the momentum generated during the Mediterranean Urban Migration Forum last June in Seville. To deliver on expectations, equal footing partnerships must ensure that stakeholders have the necessary capacities to contribute to dignified, safe and orderly migration. This will in turn guarantee that people on the move have access to rights and to the best possible means to be active parts of their communities.
Migration cannot be addressed by one state, one region or one city alone. This is a basic tenet of multi-dimensional governance of our Migration Capacity Partnerships (MCP) approach. MCP will enable us to capitalise on opportunities that migration has to offer our territories and communities and address the challenges that are inherent to mobility in a joint, concerted way.
I am pleased to see that our synergy grows every year, and I am confident that our partnership with UCLG and local and regional leaders will only continue to flourish, contributing to making migration better.
I wish all participants a wonderful UCLG World Congress in Daejeon.
