13:30 - 14:30
Cultural policy is underutilised as a lever for integration and social cohesion. The dialogue will explore how national and local governments can better connect cultural investment with migration governance - and what role foundations and international organisations can play in brokering these connections.
Migration has always been a source of cultural innovation and creative energy. The most vibrant cities in the world - from New York to Berlin to Lagos - have been shaped by successive waves of migrants bringing new ideas, aesthetics, languages, and practices. Yet this contribution is systematically underrepresented in migration policy debates.
Cities are at the forefront of cultural exchange and integration, making local leadership critical. Mayors and municipal authorities are often ahead of national governments in developing inclusive approaches - and in recognising migration as an asset rather than a burden.
Creative industries - from museums and galleries to film and television - are increasingly engaging with migration themes, both as subject matter and as an employment and entrepreneurship pathway for migrants and diaspora communities.
The Venice Biennale, international film festivals, literary prizes, and major cultural institutions have in recent years centred migrant voices and stories. This dialogue will ask what it takes to move from one-off moments of recognition to sustained structural change - in funding, commissioning, programming, and hiring.
Watch it live on UN Web TV.