The impact of global migration can be felt in developing countries as well as in developed countries. Although societies are gradually becoming more diverse, inclusive measures and established barriers have serious consequences on peace, justice and stability in the world.
On June 24 to 28, 2019, was held in Ottawa the International Metropolis Conference on inclusion, economic growth and global cooperation. This was the largest annual international gathering of world experts form academia, governments and civil society in the fields of migration, integration, diversity and inclusion.
The International Metropolis Conferences offer an apolitical forum to discuss contemporary migration, integration, diversity of the populations, as well as societal impacts. These conferences bring together researchers, decision-makers, government officials and international organizations, as well as civil society representatives from around the globe, to understand better the challenges and opportunities linked to migrations in the world.
This year, the Metropolis conference examined ways to explore the “Promise of migration” from the standpoint of migrants, host societies and home communities. It provided professionals sharing common ideas to build bridges and think about the proposal under which immigration policies could improve inclusion, economic growth and world cooperation.
The daily agenda included an opening speech, two plenary sessions on the themes listed below, and a series of workshops on cross-sectional policies and other topics of interest for migrants.
The Archdiocese of Montreal, through its well-articulated programme, increased awareness on activities aimed at migrants and refugees, and also to point out its involvement and its ability to engage one another and create partnerships with different community and governmental organizations.