Talking the Talk – How Cities Shape Migration Narratives on the Global Agenda

What do Kampala, Uganda; Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Gaziantep, Turkey, have in common? They are among an increasing number of cities that strive to influence international migration policies by contributing local expertise to intergovernmental decision-making. Through participation in initiatives such as the “Mayors Mechanism” in the Global Forum on Migration and Development, cities strive to prevent the politicization of migration issues by attempting to change prevailing narratives on migration. 

“Talking the Talk – How Cities Shape Migration Narratives on the Global Agenda,” published by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, discusses the four most salient narratives cities are using to reframe the migration debate: first, emphasizing the link between migration and development; second, stressing the notion of urban citizenship; third, referencing international human rights; and fourth, seeing migration as a normal human phenomenon. By using these narratives, cities are taking “glocal” action to promote migration as an opportunity for humanity, not a chronic problem to be managed. Examples of operationalizing these narratives include the city of Utrecht’s litigation to defend inclusive local measures and the offers of the mayors of Barcelona, Paris and Lesbos to welcome refugees. To continue changing migration narratives and to assert their positions in a global migration governance framework dominated by national and international actors, cities will need access to intergovernmental fora and opportunities to articulate their special perspectives. 

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