INTERNATIONAL
CALENDAR

         

The concept of this year’s Global Mayoral Forum will be “Mayors as Humanitarian and Development Actors: Preparing, Welcoming and Integrating.” Thus, Mayors from around the world are invited to share their experiences in straddling the humanitarian imperatives of reception of large numbers of new arrivals whether from conflict, natural disaster or other phenomena. Mayors will also be invited to speak on the subject of longer-term challenges of governing integration: fostering pluralism, by which recognition of the value of diversity also implies acknowledging its complexities and struggles. In this connection, they will discuss whether and if so how, migration has fostered economic growth and human development in their communities. Lastly, Mayors will be invited to explain progress through city-to-city partnerships, and the value of networks amongst cities within their countries, regions and beyond to learn about new and promising policies and practices. More information on this year’s focus is available via the concept note and programme.

The Berlin Forum is planned to dovetail the Global Mayoral Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD (link is external)) that is taking place also in Berlin from June 28-30. The GFMD is a voluntary and non-binding process which is government-led and open to all Member States and Observers of the United Nations, with the objective being to advance understanding around migration and development linkages as well as to advance action-oriented outcomes. The GFMD has already linked Civil Society to this process and is looking to also include the voices of local actors. Thus, Mayors who participate in the Mayoral Forum and who wish to stay on for the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) are encouraged to do so through their national delegation, or by inquiring with the GFMD Secretariat directly [supportunit@gfmd.org (link sends e-mail)].