On World Refugee Day, City Networks and the UN Launch New Coalition to Elevate Local Leadership
On this World Refugee Day, we are proud to launch the Local Coalition for Migrants and Refugees. This new global partnership brings together global city networks and UN agencies to support and elevate the role of local governments in migration governance and protection in displacement settings. Whether points of origin, transit, destination, or return, cities are where most migrants and refugees live. As such, structured engagement between cities and the UN is not just important—it is essential to building a more coordinated, effective response and
planning for a shared future.
The Coalition is co-led by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the Mayors Migration Council (MMC) and guided by an Advisory Committee which includes the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). It offers a space for coordinated, city-led action that delivers on the promise of the UN Global Compacts for Migration and Refugees.
City Networks and the UN Launch New Coalition
to Elevate Local Leadership
Our Coalition focuses on four core objectives:
- Supporting self-organised local advocacy in global intergovernmental forums such as the Global Forum for Migration and Development (GFMD), the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), and the Global Refugee Forum (GRF).
- Expanding and evaluating city pledges to achieve global goals through the Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees.
- Building a vibrant community of practice to foster peer learning and mutual support.
- Unlocking funding and partnerships to assist cities in implementing and scaling impactful initiatives.
Building on the foundations of the GFMD Mayors Mechanism, this Coalition moves from ad hoc engagement around the GFMD to build on the success achieved through the Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees.
Having mobilised more than 124 pledges from 47 cities in 40 countries, the Call to Local Action is the primary entry point for local governments to localise the UN Global Compacts for Migration and Refugees. These pledges are not just symbolic. They achieve tangible results by supporting the reception and inclusion of newcomers, leading migrants and refugees to jobs, ensuring access to education and supporting inclusive climate action.
In a world where multilateralism is under pressure and funding is tightening, the Coalition commits to bringing local solutions to global agendas.
On this World Refugee Day, we stand in Solidarity with refugees, migrants and all those seeking safer and more prosperous futures for their families.
“As the level of government that welcomes migrants and refugees as neighbours, local and regional governments are not merely implementers—they are frontline providers of essential public services and central to shaping cohesive and inclusive communities. The Local Coalition for Migrants and Refugees is a vital platform to promote genuine multi-stakeholder dialogue and partnerships. By placing migrants and refugees at the heart of a renewed social contract, the coalition helps ensure that access to services, protection, and meaningful participation are upheld as universal rights, not exceptions.” – Emilia Saiz, Secretary General UCLG
“Cities are stepping up where others are falling short—delivering housing, healthcare, jobs, and community for migrants and refugees, even as budgets shrink, national barriers rise, and politics turn toxic. This Coalition is about backing that leadership with the visibility, resources, and partnerships mayors need to keep going—and, in doing so, help the world stay on track with its migration and refugee goals. We’re proud to co-lead this effort with like minded partners and are determined to help rebuild a multilateral system that truly recognises and invests in the leadership of cities.” – Vittoria Zanuso, Executive Director MMC
“Local and regional governments are key to addressing the complex challenges of the future. I am proud to announce IOM’s new role in the Local Coalition for Migrants and Refugees, where we will act in an advisory capacity. This collaboration will help us work more closely with local and regional governments
on practical solutions that will benefit migrants and local communities. Whether it’s meeting workforce needs, strengthening inclusion and social unity, or tackling the impact of climate mobility, local and regional governments are indispensable allies. Together, we can shape a future where migration and migrants make an even greater contribution to resilient and thriving communities.” – Amy Pope, Director General IOM
“From implementing local housing projects to sheltering those displaced and ensuring their access to schools and other critical social services, cities are at the helm of creating open, inclusive and supportive environments for refugees and IDPs.” – Filippo Grandi, High Commissioner UNHCR
