On 28 November 2017, in Lisbon, Portugal, a Policy Lab for Inclusive Integration was organised on the initiative of the Council of Europe´s Intercultural cities programme. Topics of discussion included: how inclusive integration policies of cities contribute to a better management of migration at national level, and the transfer of innovation and good practice from local to regional and national levels.

The first session of the Policy Lab concluded that it is essential to put in place constructive and continuous dialogue between local and national authorities, to build coherent policies and an effective multi-level governance of integration and diversity management, with a long-term approach.

All relevant ministries and local public authorities should be involved and encouraged to take the lead, committing to: strengthen the human rights and anti-discrimination standards, narrative and actions; work together to reinforce an inclusive diversity agenda, creating partnerships and solidarity through a strong value-based leadership, bridging the local, national and international agenda; align priorities and devise and adopt coherent plans for action; building infrastructures for inclusion and intercultural competence to empower both people and the institutions.

The Council of Europe was identified by participants as the body which could act as broker of such a learning process, encouraging public authorities at all levels to take human rights, together with their related commitments, as a strategic driver for integration policies thus making sure that insights from the success policies of both cities and states contribute to consolidate more inclusive and sustainable societies. Around 25 Mayors and Deputy Mayors and State and Regional authorities from Italy, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland attended the event.