A High-Level Roundtable on "The Inter-Ethnic City: Management and
Policies for a Better Integration of Migrants", co-organized by
IOM, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAoC), the
Permanent Missions of Italy and of Canada to the United Nations,
focused yesterday on the challenges faced by municipalities when
trying to successfully integrate migrants into their societies.

Participants spoke of the challenges of rapid urbanization, but
recognized the increasing importance of migration, and examined
good practices and processes for better integration as experienced
by local administrators, policymakers and other stakeholders.

In his opening remarks, IOM Director General William Lacy Swing
said, "Unprecedented cooperation amongst all actors is necessary to
reap the benefits of successful migrant integration including
strengthened social cohesion and enhanced cross-cultural relations
that promote international peace and security."

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 successful 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 "paragraph-link-no-underline" href="http://www.un.org/webcast"
target="_blank" title="">http://www.un.org/webcast

For further information, please contact:

Amy Muedin

IOM New York

Tel: (212) 681-7000 ext. 212

E-mail: "mailto:amuedin@iom.int" target="_blank" title=
"">amuedin@iom.int