Background

The Governments of Canada and Ecuador together with the Mayors Mechanism are the co-chairs of the GFMD Ad Hoc Working Group on Public Narratives on Migration, which was established in 2020 and will continue through 2022.

Perceptions about migration have become increasingly polarised and COVID-19 has made this challenge all the more apparent. At the same time, COVID-19 set in motion a spike in community solidarity and wide recognition that migrants are key in any response and recovery effort. Within this context, the working group will seek to share experience and set up joint actions to foster balanced narratives, as it recognises narratives are vital to build inclusive societies. 

The working group provides a unique space for national governments, local governments, the private sector, civil society and international organisations to come together and discuss joint action and partnerships. It includes the cities of Dublin - Ireland, Johannesburg – South Africa, Mechelen - Belgium, Montreal – Canada and Sao Paulo – Brazil. 

Read the Terms of Reference of the Working Group here.

Activities

On March 29, 2021 the Mayors Mechanism, together with the governments of Canada, Ecuador and the International Organization for Migration, launched ‘It Takes a Community’, a global GFMD Campaign that spotlights migrants and fellow community members who contribute to building more inclusive societies. 

The Campaign is driven by local and national governments, civil society, the private sector and youth-led organisations, and lifts up local stories of community solidarity. 

Everyone is invited to join the campaign by sharing stories, using the hashtag #ItTakesaCommunity or by taking a pledge.