On the occasion of International Migrants Day, the Intercultural Cities (ICC) Programme wishes to highlight the positive contributions by migrants to society. ICC continues producing tools to support cities in the intercultural integration of migrants as well as in shaping and promoting alternative narratives to intolerance and xenophobia.

Alternative Narratives are positive, pluralist, or progressive narratives that are based on intercultural principles and respect for human rights. In the policy brief “Migration and integration - Which alternative narratives work and why”, narratives are examined from the perspective of the city with input of research from civil society. The brief identifies and examines alternative narratives under the frames of shared humanity, shared prosperity as well as shared health and security, with illustrating practical examples from cities around the world.

Shifting the narrative is always a complex societal challenge that must be met at multiple levels. Cities can play a crucial role, not only among their own residents, but also as national or international role models on creating inclusive societies.

The ICC Programme Advisory Group