Thematic Panel 3 - 10th UNAOC Global Forum

• H.E. Mr. Jaume Duch, Minister for European Union and Foreign Action, Government of Catalonia
• Mr. Gilles Poux, Mayor of La Courneuve, France
• Mr. Carlos Martínez Minguez, Mayor of Soria, Spain
• Mr. Alessandro Ghinelli, Mayor of Arezzo, Italy
• Dr. Marta Feio, Board Member, AIMA ("Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo")
• Mr. Francisco Kreye, Municipal Councilor at the Cascais Administration

Moderator: Mr. Pär Liljert, Director, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office at the United Nations in New York

Migration is a key driver of sustainable development, benefiting both migrants and their communities by fostering economic, social, and cultural growth in host societies, while also enhancing the livelihoods of their countries of origin through remittances and knowledge transfer. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the integration of migrants into societies is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition to a well-managed national policy framework that facilitates migrants' ability to contribute to their host societies, effective local and community-driven approaches can transform diversity into an asset, fostering innovation and cultural enrichment while contributing to social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

The session aims to explore how these stakeholders can work collaboratively to harness the benefits of migration while addressing challenges related to social cohesion and sustainable development. In addition, the discussion will explore the important role of cities and local governments in fostering inclusive environments and the specific strategies they can employ to facilitate dialogue and support the integration of migrants at the grassroots level.

Lastly, the session will examine the critical role of media and communication strategies in shaping public perceptions of migrants and will explore how to counter xenophobic narratives and promote positive, evidence-based stories that highlight the contributions of migrants to their host communities. Recognizing the importance of youth and civil society in this process, the panelists will also exchange views on best practices for engaging these groups in creating and disseminating narratives that support social cohesion and inclusion.

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The 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal will convene members of the UNAOC Group of Friends, political leaders, representatives of international and regional organizations, religious leaders and faith actors, the private sector, civil society, academia, youth, arts and media, as well as donor agencies and foundations, who will address the global issues pertinent to peace and security and call for restoring trust and for uniting in peace. 

In Cascais, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the twenty years of the 'Alliance of Civilizations' initiative, announced by Spain at the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2004, and how UNAOC grew into a vibrant and well-established United Nations entity.

The event will be an occasion to highlight and celebrate UNAOC achievements and map the blueprint for "One Humanity" in the years to come.