Global Cities Fund Awards over $3.5 Million to Ten Cities to Advance Solutions for Migrants and Refugees
Grants support city-led solutions that connect migrants and refugees to jobs and business opportunities, help communities manage climate risks, and use sport to improve health, belonging, and access to services
New York City, September 20, 2026 — The Mayors Migration Council (MMC) today announced over $3.5 million in grants through its Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees (GCF) to ten cities helping migrants and refugees find jobs and start businesses, navigate growing climate pressures, and use sport to strengthen health and community connections.
The new grantees are Curitiba (Brazil), Dadaab (Kenya), London (United Kingdom), Lviv (Ukraine), Maipú (Chile), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Montevideo (Uruguay), Nouakchott (Mauritania), São Paulo (Brazil), and Toronto (Canada),spanning economic opportunity, climate resilience, and sport.
The announcement was made at the 2026 Urban 20 (U20) Mayors Summit in New York City. Convened by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the summit brought together mayors from around the world to address shared priorities including housing affordability, climate change, and human mobility.
“Cities that include migrants and refugees are stronger, safer, and more prepared for the future,” said Vittoria Zanuso, Executive Director of the Mayors Migration Council. “This year’s grants give mayors the tools and resources to put that ambition into action, through good jobs, climate resilience, and stronger connections between newcomers and the places they call home.”
Selected through a competitive process from nearly 50 candidates, each city will receive up to $500,000 over two years, along with tailored technical support from the MMC. Grantees are already planning to sustain and scale their work: seven are bringing additional funding to their projects, while five have plans to keep financing their work through municipal budgets, dedicated local funds, and public-private partnerships. All ten will also receive fundraising support and connections to global partners and potential funders to bring in additional investment.
Creating pathways to economic opportunity
In Curitiba, Dadaab and Montevideo, cities are creating new opportunities for migrants and refugees to work, build businesses, and contribute to their local economies — from green business incubators and job programs in sustainable tourism to programs that connect newcomers with local employers looking to hire.
Curitiba, Brazil — Connecting migrants to jobs in sustainable tourism
Curitiba will build a digital platform to connect migrants and refugees with formal jobs in the city’s sustainable tourism sector. The city will study its tourism job market and map migrants’ skills to identify training needs, then connect migrants and refugees with local businesses.
“Connecting migrant and refugee talent with Curitiba’s growing sustainable tourism sector is a win for newcomers, a win for local businesses, and a win for a greener, more welcoming city.” — Eduardo Pimentel, Mayor of Curitiba
Dadaab, Kenya — Refugee youth and local residents starting businesses
In Dadaab, one of the world’s oldest and largest refugee settlements and now on its path to becoming a municipality, the new Dadaab Incubation Centre for Entrepreneurship (DICE) will help young refugees and local residents start green businesses in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable farming. Participants will receive training, mentorship, access to loans, and opportunities to compete for municipal contracts.
“Dadaab has long been known as a place of refuge. We also want it to be known as a place where young people can build businesses, create jobs, and shape the future of their community.” — Mohammed Ali, Municipal Manager of Dadaab
Montevideo, Uruguay — Connecting migrants to jobs through labor pathways
Montevideo will launch Montevideo Without Borders: Safe Human Mobility Routes, connecting migrants from Colombia and potentially other countries in the region with in-demand jobs in the city. The initiative builds on Montevideo’s participation in the Mayors of the Americas Task Force on Migration and its work to advance practical, city-led approaches to human mobility across the region. It will match newcomers with local workforce needs, helping migrants find jobs while connecting employers with the workers they need.
“Montevideo has been working with cities across the region to make human mobility safer, better coordinated, and more responsive. Migration should be a source of opportunity, inclusion, and prosperity, and when cities work together across borders, we can help make that vision a reality.” — Mario Bergara, Mayor of Montevideo
Preparing for a changing climate
In Montego Bay and São Paulo, cities are helping migrants and refugees adapt to climate change — from giving flood-prone communities earlier warnings before disasters hit to preparing newcomers for jobs that make cities greener and more resilient.
Montego Bay, Jamaica — Protecting communities at risk of climate displacement
In Montego Bay, many people displaced by drought and extreme weather now live in some of the city’s most flood-prone areas. The city will install wireless sensors to detect rising floodwaters and warn residents earlier, giving families more time to prepare and reducing the risk of further displacement.
“In Montego Bay, we are seeing how climate change can shape where people live and whether they can stay safely. Our goal is simple: reduce the risk of repeated displacement and help make migration a choice rather than a necessity.” — Richard Vernon, Mayor of Montego Bay
São Paulo, Brazil — Connecting migrant talent to green jobs
Through the New Ground project, São Paulo will train migrants and refugees for jobs in sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and other green sectors. The project builds on the city’s participation in the MMC-C40 Global Mayors Task Force on Climate and Migration and related research showing that migrant and refugee workers could help address projected labor shortages in sectors critical to the city’s climate goals. Participants will receive a monthly stipend during training, along with support to connect them with jobs that contribute to a greener and more climate resilient city.
“Migrants and refugees are not only part of São Paulo’s workforce; they can also be part of our climate solution. By training newcomers, we can build a greener city, create jobs, and grow our economy — all at the same time.” — Ricardo Nunes, Mayor of São Paulo
Building inclusion through sport
In London, Lviv, Maipú, Nouakchott, and Toronto cities are using sport to improve health, strengthen belonging, and create safe spaces for migrants, refugees, and local communities to play and connect. From bringing activities and services directly to newcomers and supporting recovery amid displacement, to expanding sport programs for children and investing in new community sport infrastructure, these projects help people build connections and a greater sense of stability and belonging.
London, United Kingdom — Opening up sport to migrant and refugee children and youth
London will expand its largest grassroots sports fund through Go! London x MMC, a new program reaching migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking children and young people. Participants will receive free sport activities, mentoring, and mental health support, while local sports organizations that have historically struggled to access funding will receive resources to better serve migrant and refugee communities.
“Sport has the power to create friendships, develop confidence, unite communities and increase Londoners’ sense of belonging. That is why I am proud Go! London is partnering with the Mayors Migration Council to expand our free sport, guidance and wellbeing support for migrant and refugee young people in our city. ” —Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Lviv, Ukraine — Using sport to rebuild after conflict and displacement
In Lviv, Unbroken Games will expand access to adaptive sport for internally displaced people, people affected by conflict, and residents with disabilities. Through regular training and psychological support, the program will help participants recover physically and emotionally, rebuild social connections, and regain confidence and independence after conflict and displacement.
“Every day, Lviv is supporting people displaced from their homes, people impacted and injured by conflict, and people living with disabilities. Through Unbroken Games, we show how sport can be more than recreation. It can be a powerful tool for recovery, connection, and belonging.” — Andriy Sadovyi, Mayor of Lviv
Maipú, Chile — Bringing migrant and Chilean children together through track and field
Maipú will launch Running Without Borders, a track and field program for migrant and Chilean children and adolescents across public schools. The program will also connect newcomer families with nutritionists, psychologists, and social workers, helping them access essential services, build local connections, and strengthen trust in city government as they settle into their new life.
“For children and families arriving in a new city, feeling part of the community can begin in very simple spaces: a school, a sports field, a team. Through Running Without Borders, migrant and Chilean children will train, compete and build friendships together across Maipú’s public schools.”— Tomás Vodanovic, Mayor of Maipú
Nouakchott, Mauritania — Building new sport infrastructure to bring communities together
Nouakchott will build a new sports center and community hub in Sebkha, one of the region’s most diverse communities and home to a large migrant population. With multi-use courts, fitness facilities, and space for vocational training, the center will bring migrants, refugees, and long-term residents together to play, learn, and shape how the space is used.
“Nouakchott will invest in new sport and community infrastructure that will serve the neighborhood for years to come, creating a place for physical activity, vocational training, and stronger connections among the people who call Sebkha home.” — Fatimetou Abdel Malick, President of the Nouakchott Region
Toronto, Canada — Connecting newcomer families to sports and city services
Toronto will launch Play Mobile for Newcomers, a free program that brings pop-up sports activities directly into neighborhoods using mobile vans to reach migrant and refugee children, young people, and families. Through partnerships with settlement agencies and shelters, the program will also connect participating families with city services and other support.
“Toronto is making sport a front door to the city. No matter where you’re from, playing together with your neighbors is the perfect way to make friends and build a sense of belonging in your community.” — Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto
A Growing Global Platform
The Mayors Migration Council launched the Global Cities Fund to address a persistent problem: cities are on the front lines of welcoming and supporting migrants and refugees but often struggle to access international funding directly. The fund helps close that gap by providing city governments with direct funding and technical support to put local solutions into action, while helping them attract additional resources to sustain and scale what works.
With the 2026 cohort, the Global Cities Fund has now supported 44 city-led solutions across over 30 countries and mobilized more than $35 million. Among cities that have completed their grants, nearly 80 percent have secured additional resources to continue or expand their work.
The MMC aims to grow the Global Cities Fund to $50 million by 2030, putting more resources directly in the hands of cities and helping successful local solutions reach more people.
Our Partners Driving Collective Impact
The Global Cities Fund is supported by our philanthropic funders ClimateWorks Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, IKEA Foundation, Olympic Refuge Foundation, and Robert Bosch Stiftung. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation is also providing funding support. The MMC’s Strategic Partners C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Metropolis, UN-Habitat, IOM, and United Cities and Local Governments, provided support with outreach, application review, and ongoing technical guidance.
About the Mayors Migration Council
The Mayors Migration Council is a mayor-led coalition that accelerates ambitious global action on migration and displacement to create a world where urban migrants, displaced people, and receiving communities can thrive. Learn more at www.mayorsmigrationcouncil.org or follow the MMC on LinkedIn and X.
Media Contact
Dana Sleiman
Director of Communications, Knowledge, and Impact
dsleiman@mayorsmigrationcouncil.org
+1 (646) 729-0518
Cynthia Nahhas
Communications Manager
cnahhas@mayorsmigrationcouncil.org
+1 (646) 729-0524
Appendix: Mayoral Quotes
Eduardo Pimentel, Mayor of Curitiba, Brazil
“Many newcomers arriving in Curitiba bring skills and experience that can contribute to our growing sustainable tourism sector, while local businesses are looking for workers who can help it grow. With support from the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees and the Mayors Migration Council, we will help match that talent with opportunity — identifying where workers are needed, providing targeted training, and creating pathways into formal jobs. Connecting migrant and refugee talent with Curitiba’s growing sustainable tourism sector is a win for newcomers, a win for local businesses, and a win for a greener, more welcoming city.”
Mohammed Ali, Municipal Manager of Dadaab, Kenya
“Dadaab has long been known as a place of refuge. We also want it to be known as a place where young people can build businesses, create jobs, and shape the future of their community. With support from the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees and the Mayors Migration Council, we will invest in refugee and local entrepreneurs working in green sectors and give them the training, financing, and market access they need to grow. As Dadaab moves toward becoming a municipality, this is the kind of inclusive local economic development we want at the heart of its future.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, United Kingdom
“Sport has the power to create friendships, develop confidence, unite communities and increase Londoners’ sense of belonging. That is why I am proud Go! London is partnering with the Mayors Migration Council to expand our free sport, guidance and wellbeing support for migrant and refugee young people in our city. We want every young Londoner, wherever they were born and whatever their background, to have a chance to thrive, and by working together to support some of our most vulnerable Londoners we can build a better, fairer London for everyone. This is what it means for a city to be a place of sanctuary for those who need it.”
Andriy Sadovyi, Mayor of Lviv, Ukraine
“Every day, Lviv is supporting people displaced from their homes, veterans returning from the front, and people living with disabilities as they rebuild their lives. Through Unbroken Games, sport becomes part of that recovery — helping people regain physical confidence, independence, and connection with others. With support from the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees and the Mayors Migration Council, we can expand this work and show how sport can be more than recreation. It can be a powerful tool for recovery, connection, and belonging.”
Tomás Vodanovic, Mayor of Maipú, Chile
“For children and families arriving in a new city, feeling part of the community can begin in very simple spaces: a school, a sports field, a team. Through Running Without Borders, migrant and Chilean children will train, compete and build friendships together across Maipú’s public schools. The program will also connect families with professionals and support services that can help them settle and thrive in the city. With the support of the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees and the Mayors Migration Council, we want to use sport as a powerful tool for integration, creating stronger bonds between children, families and their communities, while also bringing them closer to the public institutions that are there to support them.”
Richard Vernon, Mayor of Montego Bay, Jamaica
“In Montego Bay, we are seeing how climate change can shape where people live and whether they can stay safely. Many families who moved after drought and extreme weather disrupted their livelihoods are now living in communities exposed to flooding. With support from the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees and the Mayors Migration Council, we will use early-warning technology to give residents more time to prepare and protect their homes and livelihoods. Our goal is simple: reduce the risk of repeated displacement and help make migration a choice rather than a necessity.”
Mario Bergara, Mayor of Montevideo, Uruguay
“Through the Mayors of the Americas Task Force on Migration, Montevideo has been working with cities across the region to make human mobility safer, better coordinated, and more responsive to what people and local economies need. With support from the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees and the Mayors Migration Council, Montevideo Without Borders will put that cooperation into practice by connecting newcomers with employers looking for workers and creating pathways into jobs where they are needed most. Migration should be a source of opportunity, inclusion, prosperity, and when cities work together across borders, we can help make that vision a reality.”
Fatimetou Abdel Malick, President of the Nouakchott Region, Mauritania
“Inclusion needs places where people can meet, play, learn, and build trust, and sport builds that trust faster than almost anything else. In Sebkha, migrants, refugees, and long-term residents already live side by side, but women and young people need more safe, shared spaces where they can come together. With support from the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees and the Mayors Migration Council, Nouakchott will invest in new sport and community infrastructure that will serve the neighborhood for years to come, creating a place for physical activity, vocational training, and stronger connections among the people who call Sebkha home.”
Ricardo Nunes, Mayor of São Paulo, Brazil
“Migrants and refugees are not only part of São Paulo’s workforce; they can also be part of our climate solution. Research from the Mayors Migration Council and C40 shows that our city could face a shortage of 1.3 million workers in green sectors, leaving billions in potential economic activity untapped. Migrants and refugees already bring skills, experience, and ambition to our workforce. With support from the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees, we are putting that research into practice by training newcomers for jobs in sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and other growing sectors. This is how São Paulo can build a greener city, create jobs, and grow its economy at the same time — with migrants and refugees helping drive that progress.”
Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, Canada
“Toronto is making sport a front door to the city. No matter where you’re from, playing together with your neighbors is the perfect way to make friends and build a sense of belonging in your community. With support from the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees and the Mayors Migration Council, Play Mobile for Newcomers will meet families where they are and connect them with settlement agencies and city services.”
Notes to Editors:
Go! London is the capital’s biggest community sport fund from the Mayor of London, Sport England and London Marathon Foundation, supported by London Sport and London Marathon Events. It harnesses the potential of sport and physical activity to support underserved children and young people to fulfil their potential.
