Excellency Enzo Scotti, Under Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs;

Excellencies; Distinguished Delegates;

Invited Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen;

It is a pleasure to participate in this important discussion on the
integration of migrants, and I thank our co-sponsors, the Permanent
Missions of Italy and Canada, along with the Alliance of
Civilizations for making this event possible.

This session is part of an ongoing initiative of the AoC and IOM
to contribute to promoting the richness of inter-cultural diversity
in our societies, and in this particular session, our cities and
urban centers.

Our discussion today builds on a previous exchange in Istanbul
at the AoC Forum in April, entitled "Integrating Migrants – A
Challenge for Inclusive Societies".  Whereas, that discussion
served as an exploratory session, today’s roundtable is
intended to sharpen our focus on the integration of migrants in an
urban context, recognizing the unique challenges brought forward by
rapid urbanization and technological advancements.

We will look specifically at good practices as they relate to
integration, diversity management and social inclusion.

In doing so, we will here different perspectives, and explore
how public and private service providers can contribute to
promoting co-existence between immigrant communities and their host
societies.

Our subject today is not without controversy.  The term
"integration" means different things to different people.  For
some, integration is akin to cultural assimilation.  Others
talk about cultural "melting pots" or "cultural mosaics."  In
some circles still, integration is treated as an internal security
matter.

I think you would agree that in our ever connected and
inter-dependent world, we cannot afford exclusivity, isolationism
or segregation.  It is in fact cultural diversity enhances
creativity in our communities, strengthens social cohesion and
contributes to cross-cultural relations and international peace and
security.

Integration is a dynamic two-way process of mutual adjustment
and accommodation by the migrants and the host community. It is
shaped to a large extent by the integration policies and practices
of the host government.

Villages, towns, cities, and within them, the spaces where
migrants meet the host community, e.g. workplaces, schools,
community centers, shops, and the local government offices, are the
social crucibles where the alchemy of integration will succeed or
fail.  These are the points of contact and convergence of all
policies whether national, regional or international.

The report of the High Level Group of the Alliance of
Civilizations aptly recognized this point and stressed the role of
leadership in countries of immigration in promoting diversity as a
great source of strength.

IOM takes pride in working in this particular field for many
years --- from migrant training activities, including pre-departure
orientation, cultural orientation, and language training in 44
countries that assist up to 50,000 migrants annually --- to
preparing refugees for the challenges of resettlement in new
societies, and engaging civil society and immigrant communities in
diversity training at local and regional levels.

My colleagues and I are also grateful for the excellent
partnership we enjoy with the United Nations Alliance of
Civilizations. Together, we have an ambitious action plan:

To display positive and successful integration experiences;

To share good integration practices globally; and

To provide technical support for the development of national
migration and integration strategies.

This plan has particular relevance in this period of global
economic and financial crisis.  There is a tendency at present
for some Governments to think about migration in counter-cyclical
terms.  That is to say, the tendency is to harden attitudes
towards migrants and send them home whereas legal migrants are
needed if our economies are to recover.  As difficult as it
undoubtedly is to alter attitudes, regulations and legislation, it
would be prudent for Governments to continue giving close
consideration to integration policies and approaches.

IOM has been particularly active over the past year assisting
Governments to minimize discrimination and xenophobia. 
Recently, for example, IOM launched a campaign through the Italian
media about the contribution of migrants to society. In South
Africa and in Ukraine for example, we have initiatives that
directly tackle issues of xenophobia because of the levels of
violence towards migrants. This is a very important part of what we
do, to educate and work with communities to promote greater
understanding of migrants.

Like many of the other challenges we face as an international
community, migrant integration is one that requires the broadest
coalition of partners. We are pleased to have assembled here
distinguished representatives from local governments, foundations,
the UN system, academia and civil society.

If we are able today to listen and capture your experiences and
lessons learned on migrant integration – I believe this
session will meet its objective and help us prepare for the next
AoC Forum in Rio in May 2010.

In conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for participation
today in what promises to be an interesting discussion on a topic
that needs to be critically discussed and continuously adapted over
time to give voice to all who stand to benefit.

Thank you.