”Positive attitudes, welcoming cultures and a willingness for mutual learning are vital for the successful integration of migrants in Europe’s local and regional communities. This must be underpinned by education, communication and understanding”, said Nazia Rehman, Chair of the Congress Committee on Social Inclusion and Human Dignity, today at a workshop on “Inclusive Growth: How Cities Can Support People with a Migrant Background”.  The workshop was co-organised by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
at the OECD headquarters in Paris.

“Ensuring this integration is a defining challenge of our times, including at the local and regional levels where the benefits are felt most strongly. When we embrace effective, wholehearted integration of migrants and refugees, communities grow stronger and more vibrant - creating a future that benefits us all. Together we can make success the only option,” added Ms Rehman.

The event brought together local government and civil society representatives, with European organisations and financial agencies to share views on obstacles to integration, to discuss practical solutions for overcoming them, and to strengthen multistakeholder collaboration in support of more inclusive communities.

Inclusive Growth: How Cities Can Support People with a Migrant Background