Why are we running this project?

We support the Mayors Migration Council as an institutional funder as part of our strategy to include new actors in migration governance. We believe mayors are uniquely positioned to deliver on commitments to global goals to improve outcomes for all city-dwellers, including migrants and refugees, and should therefore help shape migration policy design on national, regional and global levels. Since its inception in 2018, the MMC has demonstrated its outstanding ability to support local leaders both with first response and policy implementation on the ground as well as connecting them with relevant multilateral fora, unlocking necessary resources and building capacity for international city diplomacy.  

What are our goals?

Long-term, we trust that the MMC’s work can lead to a transformed national, regional and international governance system that reflects and addresses local realities and improves conditions for migrants and refugees.

How does the project work?

The MMC’s approach is divided into two primary functions: international city diplomacy and city support. With its international city diplomacy work, the MMC helps amplify the collective voice of mayors and cities at the most relevant state-led multilateral processes to migration and refugee governance — the International Migration Review Forum (GCM review forum), the Global Refugee Forum (GCR review forum) and the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). In addition, the MMC provides direct support to mayors and city leaders who seek to build their capacity to effectively engage in diplomatic and advocacy activities internationally. The MMC provides ad-hoc targeted support and is planning to expand its reach by developing more systematized training resources and activities, including peer-to-peer exchanges on how cities navigate the national and international landscape of migration and refugee governance. As a nimble organization led directly by mayors, the MMC is also capable to swiftly react to a changing environment. In the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, it launched a series of articles including a practical guide for city leaders on inclusive crisis response. 

Who are the target groups?

As an organization founded by mayors for mayors, the target group is city leaders from all geographies. And as an organization that is intentionally not membership-driven, it is critical for the MMC to be able to engage with as many cities that can benefit from its services and support as possible. 

Where is the project run?

The MMC Leadership Board is comprised of mayors from all around the world. 

Who organizes and supports the project?

The MMC is financially supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Open Society Foundations and the Robert Bosch Stiftung. 

Since its inception, the MMC has a strategic partnership with C40 Cities Leadership Group (C40), the global network of mayors committed to urgent action on climate change. 

The MMC works closely with established and recognized city networks, most notably United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Since 2018, the three organizations have been co-leading the Mayors Mechanism, an initiative to help local and regional authorities participate in and inform the state-led Global Forum on Migration and Development.