The 2019 International Metropolis Conference took place from June 24-28 in Ottawa and Gatineau. It brought together experts from all over the world to talk about important issues in migration, integration, and diversity. The Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada hosted this big event. It was a great chance for people to share ideas and make new partnerships at a time when many countries are thinking hard about migration.
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Key Aspects of the Conference
The conference’s main idea was “The Promise of Migration: Inclusion, Economic Growth, and Global Cooperation.” This theme showed that the organizers saw migration as something that could bring good things, not just as a problem to solve.
More than 1,000 people attended the event, including university researchers, government workers, and people from community groups. The large number of attendees allowed for the sharing of many different ideas.
Program and Theme of the Ottawa Conference
The conference covered many current migration topics. There were talks about policies, presentations of research, and discussions about things like how countries work together on migration, how migration affects money matters, and how new technology changes migration.
People at the conference talked about how migration can help grow the economy, make societies more inclusive, and help countries work together better. They looked at how countries can work together on migration, how migration affects economies, and how technology is changing the way people move around the world.
Pre-Conference Activities
Workshops and Seminars
Before the leading conference, there was a workshop called Pathways to Prosperity (P2P). It focused on how to measure if newcomers are settling in well. This was really useful for people who work with immigrants. The Canadian government also held a workshop to explain recent changes in how Canada handles migration.
PhD Workshop
Young researchers got a chance to learn about immigration data and how to share their research with policymakers and the public. This was important because it helped connect university research with real-world use.
Schedule and Structure
Each day of the conference was full of activities. There were main speeches, big group discussions, and smaller workshops. The organizers also included cultural events, social gatherings, and tours. This mix gave attendees a well-rounded experience.
Plenary Sessions
The plenary sessions were a major part of the conference, featuring in-depth discussions on key migration topics. Some of the main sessions included:
- Global Governance and Compacts: This session looked at how international agreements can help manage migration in a way that benefits everyone involved.
- South-South Migration: This session focused on migration between developing countries and how these movements are changing global demographics.
- The Economic Impact of Immigration: A discussion on how immigration helps drive economic growth in both the host countries and the countries migrants come from.
- Non-State Actors in Migration: This session examined the role of NGOs and private sector organizations in managing migration.
- The Effects of Technology on Migration: A discussion on how new technologies are influencing migration and integration processes.
Keynote Speakers
While we don’t have the names of specific speakers, the conference featured important government officials, university experts, and international specialists. These main speeches likely gave valuable insights into migration policies and research’s current state and potential future developments.
Study Tours and Cultural Activities
Study Tours
The conference offered several tours in Ottawa and Gatineau. These tours showed attendees real examples of how communities help newcomers settle in. Some of the tours included:
- A bus tour with Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership (OLIP) and Heritage Ottawa
- A visit to Jewish Family Services of Ottawa
- A tour of Villa Marconi
- A visit to Tungasuvvingat Inuit, an Inuit community organization
These tours gave people a chance to see firsthand how communities support newcomers.
Cultural Activities
The conference wasn’t just about work. There were also fun and exciting cultural events, including:
- A welcome party
- A ceremony led by Aboriginal people
- A special evening at the Museum of History
These activities gave people a chance to meet each other and experience the diverse culture of Ottawa and Gatineau.
Workshops and Thematic Sessions
The conference had many smaller group sessions (workshops) on specific topics like:
- Best ways to help immigrants integrate
- How migration can help grow the economy
- How to help refugees
- Building public trust in migration
These sessions allowed people to dig deep into specific topics and share new ideas.
Many workshops encouraged people to participate actively, not just listen. Attendees could share their own experiences and explore new ideas together. This approach helped people learn from each other and think of practical solutions.
Organizational and Logistical Information
The event was organized by a team led by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, with help from various sponsors and partners. This teamwork ensured that the conference covered a wide range of topics and viewpoints.
To make it easier for people to attend, the conference got travel discounts from Air Canada (15% off) and VIA Rail (10% off). People coming from other countries were reminded to check if they needed a visa or other travel documents well before the conference.
The organizers arranged for discounted rates at several hotels near the Shaw Centre, where most of the conference took place. There were options for different budgets, from cheaper university dorms to fancy hotels. Because Ottawa is busy in the summer, people were encouraged to book their rooms early.
About the International Metropolis Conferences
The International Metropolis Conferences are the world’s most significant annual events focused on migration, integration, and diversity. These gatherings bring together leaders, researchers, and organizations from all over the globe to exchange ideas, share new research, and tackle the latest issues in migration. Each conference is packed with main sessions, hands-on workshops, study tours, and cultural experiences, all designed to spark meaningful conversations and build connections across different fields.
All Past Conferences
The International Metropolis Conferences have traveled the world, with each event bringing fresh perspectives on migration from different corners of the globe. Here’s a look at some of the recent stops:
| Year | Location | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Migration Futures: Evolving Challenges in a Digital Age (upcoming event). |
| 2023 | Washington, DC, USA | Explored how migration patterns have shifted in the post-pandemic world. |
| 2022 | Berlin, Germany | Continued the discussion on the changing dynamics of global migration. |
| 2019 | Ottawa-Gatineau, Canada | Focused on the positive power of migration with the theme “The Promise of Migration: Inclusion, Economic Growth, and Global Cooperation.” |
| 2018 | Sydney, Australia | Tackled the challenges of migration and diversity during turbulent times. |
| 2017 | The Hague, Netherlands | Delved into the role of global justice in shaping migration policies. |
| 2016 | Aichi-Nagoya, Japan | Highlighted the importance of building trust in migration and integration processes. |
| 2015 | Mexico City, Mexico | Migration: Key Players in the 21st Century. |
| 2014 | Milan, Italy | Migration, Energy, and Wealth. |
| 2013 | Tampere, Finland | The Global Economic and Financial Environment. |
| 2012 | Auckland, New Zealand | Pathways to Metropolis in the 21st Century. |
| 2011 | Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal | Migration Futures: Perspectives on Global Changes. |
| 2010 | The Hague, Netherlands | Justice and Migration: Paradoxes of Belonging. |
| 2009 | Copenhagen, Denmark | Migration and Mobility: National Responses to Cultural Diversity. |
| 2008 | Bonn, Germany | Mobility, Integration, and Development in a Globalized World. |
| 2007 | Melbourne, Australia | Migration, Economic Growth, and Social Cohesion. |
| 2006 | Lisbon, Portugal | Paths & Crossroads: Moving People, Changing Places. |
| 2005 | Toronto, Canada | Our Diverse Cities: Migration, Diversity, and Change. |
| 2004 | Geneva, Switzerland | Co-operative Migration Management: International, National and Local Answers. |
| 2003 | Vienna, Austria | Gaining from Migration: A Global Perspective on Opportunities for Economic and Social Prosperity. |
| 2002 | Oslo, Norway | Togetherness in Difference. |
| 2001 | Rotterdam, Netherlands | Migration policies, Citizenship, Equality and Diversity, Local Integration Policies, Migration and the Cultural Transformation of Cities. |
| 2000 | Vancouver, Canada | Building Social, Cultural, and Economic Capital: The Case for Migration. |
| 1999 | Washington DC, USA | Building Community: Civil Society and Citizenship. |
| 1998 | Zichron, Ya’acov, Israel | Immigration, Integration, and Ethno-Racial Diversity. |
| 1997 | Copenhagen, Denmark | (Event theme not listed). |
| 1996 | Milan, Italy | Urban Economic Restructuring, Social Integration, Demographics and Social Cohesion, Diversity Management. |
Upcoming Conference in 2024
Looking ahead, the 27th International Metropolis Conference is set for November 14-17, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This will be the first time the conference heads to Southeast Asia. Hosted by the Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) at the National University of Malaysia, the event will explore the theme “Migration Futures: Evolving Challenges in a Digital Age.” Expect deep dives into how cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things are reshaping migration, along with discussions on the opportunities and hurdles these changes bring.
In short, the 2019 International Metropolis Conference in Ottawa-Gatineau was a great chance for experts from around the world to talk about important migration issues. The conference mixed serious academic discussions with practical insights and cultural experiences. This approach aimed to help people come up with new ideas for dealing with the complex challenges and opportunities of global migration. Attendees left with new contacts, fresh perspectives, and practical ideas to address migration issues in their own work.