"Cities as key partners to achieve migration goals" - Statement from the GFMD Mayors Mechanism

Local actors, from local and regional authorities to local NGOs and companies, are key partners in achieving migration goals and ensuring migrants are included in our progress towards sustainable development for all. The Global Forum for Migration and Development's Mayors Mechanism has released a statement through the UN Network on Migration on its upcoming Call to Local Action to catalyse bold and principle local actions on migration goals, reflecting this role of local actors. 

The Mayors Mechanism is co-steered by IOM, United Cities and Local Governments, and the Mayors Migration Council, and it has been at the forefront of championing the roles of local and regional authorities in implementing the Global Compact for Migration and achieving the 2030 Agenda. The upcoming Call to Local Action builds on the 2019 Call, which saw cities pledge to implement the two Global Compacts for Migration and for Refugees, from developing a Municipal Plan for Immigrants to establishing a local communications campaign, promoting inclusive local identity and preventing discrimination and xenophobia. 

Despite this clear willingness to engage in migration governance, local actors face unique obstacles to fulfilling their potential in this field. Lack of local-national coordination mechanisms, access to disaggregated data, legal and budgetary mandates to protect migrants and access to international funding schemes all serve to exclude local authorities from full participation in migration governance. 

As such, the upcoming Call to Local Action will promote and showcase city-led migration solutions while facilitating local participation in the upcoming GCM International Migration Review Forum. Read the full statement here and keep an eye out for more opportunities to promote local involvement in migration governance.