About Us

ABOUT METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL

Metropolis International is a global, cross-sectoral professional association dedicated to advancing evidence-based policymaking and promising practices in migration, social, economic and linguistic and social inclusion. By bringing together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners worldwide, we foster informed debate, promote leadership, and support the development of effective policies and implementation models.

For over 30 years, Metropolis International has led global discussions on migration management and social integration.

Our biannual International Migration Conference serves as a premier platform for collaboration, drawing thousands of participants to explore the latest research and policy innovations.

Beyond our conferences, Metropolis International provides unparalleled networking opportunities through regional events and online forums. Members engage in meaningful discussions, forge strategic partnerships, and collaborate on innovative solutions in migration and inclusion. Whether through structured panels, informal meetups, or cross-sector working groups, we create a dynamic space for dialogue and professional growth.

OUR HISTORY

1995

The Metropolis International effort starts as a comparative international policy research endeavour focused on the effects of international migration on large urban centres, involving researchers and public and private-sector actors from over 15 countries and international organisations (including Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Israel, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the European Commission, UNESCO and the OECD). Migration Policy Group (MPG) serves as the European branch of Metropolis International Secretariat, with the support of the European Commission and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

1996 - 2008

The network and its activities grow steadily, including an extensive Metropolis Europe network managed from the University of Amsterdam and with support from the Government of the Netherlands, an annual international and Canadian national conference, a research program carried out by five Metropolis Centres of Excellence (i.e. partnerships of 20 Canadian universities), the Metropolis Institute and its Programme of Migration and Diversity Studies, public lectures, policy shops etc.

2009

Metropolis Asia-Pacific is launched through the partnership of the International Metropolis Project Secretariat, the "Philippines Group" (i.e. CIFAL, International Organization for Migration in Manila, Philippines Institute for Development Studies), the Migration Research and Training Centre (MRTC) in Seoul, and the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) in Beijing.

1996

The International Metropolis Project is founded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC, headquarters) in partnership with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) as an international cross-sectoral network of experts focused on migration and its societal impacts, and a vision of international dialogue and strengthened migration, integration, and diversity policy by means of applied research, debate, and sharing of evidence-based practices.

2008

Metropolis North America is established through a Cooperative Agreement signed in Mexico City by founding members Centro de Investigaciones sobre América del Norte / Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México(CISAN-UNAM, headquarters), Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), U.S. Citizenship andImmigration Services (USCIS) / U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL).

2012

The Secretariat of the International Metropolis Project transitions from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, former CIC) to Carleton University, and the Metropolis Professional Development (MPD) training sessions are launched shortly thereafter, designed for those in charge of managing migration, integration, and inclusion policies and practices, either as officials of government, NGOs in the service provision sector, business, or otherwise.

2012-2020

The network continues to encourage the production and effective communication of policy-relevant knowledge amongst decision-makers, thought leaders, and practitioners through its International Metropolis Conference, webinars, co-branded events, and policy briefs, including with efforts to grow in Africa and Latin America.

2021

The logo is updated to highlight the unique international attribute of Metropolis International as the original international cross-sectoral network founded in 1996 and distinct from other entities that may use the name of "Metropolis," while also maintaining continuity with the past through the incorporation of the bridge and distinctive "M."

2024

Metropolis International incorporates as a not-for-profit organization in Canada, and partners with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), headed by Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration, Anna Triandafyllidou

2025

Metropolis International evolves with a new strategic mission and vision that reflects the goals of the incorporated association, including a Board of Directors and an International Advisory Council as governing bodies accountable to its cross-sectoral international membership.

MISSION

Metropolis International provides a global platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange across policy, research, civil society, and the private sector. We work to advance evidence-based solutions in migration, inclusion, and diversity by fostering cross-sectoral partnerships that drive real-world impact.

We enhance capacity in this field by:

Bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and business leaders to share insights, compare perspectives, and engage in open dialogue on pressing migration and inclusion challenges.
Promoting socially meaningful, policy-relevant research that informs fair and effective policies, business strategies, and implementation practices.
Facilitating the exchange of expertise and resources among international stakeholders to shape innovative, sustainable solutions.

Through our work, we empower communities, institutions, and governments to navigate the complexities of migration and diversity with knowledge, integrity, and impact.

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Evidence Based Practices

We strongly assert the importance of evidence-based practices in decision-making across all sectors. We promote this principle in our own activities but also in the interests of societies, communities, and businesses that experience migration and diversity, many of which are our members and collaborators.

OPERATING PRINCIPLES

Metropolis International is united around a core and agreed upon set of principles that both distinguish us and articulate our value as a global network.

Informed Dialogue on Migration and Integration

We distinguish ourselves as a cross-sectoral network that convenes informed dialogue between researchers, civil society actors, policy makers, the private sector and international organisations on shared issues of concern in the area of international migration, asylum and integration.

Safe and Respectful Spaces

We are a Network that commits to creating safe and respectful spaces to allow a diversity of opinions and political discussions, that fosters networking and knowledge exchange.

Inclusivity, Equity and Representation

We strongly believe that our effectiveness is based on our inclusivity and representation (intersectional, cross-sectoral and geographic) through which we can encourage societal recognition of diversity in all its manifest forms and is committed to contributing meaningful conversation between diverse people(s).

Valuing Migration

We support the perspective that migration, integration / inclusion, and diversity need to be governed by societies for the mutual well-being of all citizens, migrants, and their minority communities.

GOVERNANCE

Executive Committee

MIMN is incorporated in Canada as an international nonprofit. An Executive Committee that is nominated from members oversees the year round work of the organization and is composed of a chairperson, deputy chair, treasurer, clerk, nominating chair and other committee chairs as determined by the Executive Committee as well as at-large members for balanced representation. This body is generally 8-11 people who meet monthly..

Monet Goode

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Emmett Marsh

Bio Goes Here
Eleanor Parks

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Jamie Kokot

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Karl Holland

Bio Goes Here

International Advisory Committee (IAC)

The International Advisory Committee (IAC) serves as the primary decision-making body for the network. It convenes annually, with two in-person meetings and online sessions as determined by the Executive Committee.. The IAC sets the network's overall strategic direction and provides guidance to the leadership team and annual conference organizers on their work programs.

The IAC is composed of both institutional and individual members from across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, as well as representatives from international organizations focused on migration. These members bring diverse expertise from research, government, policy, and practice, contributing national, regional, and global perspectives to the governance of the network and its activities.

Monet Goode

Bio Goes Here
Emmett Marsh

Bio Goes Here
Eleanor Parks

Bio Goes Here
Jamie Kokot

Bio Goes Here
Karl Holland

Bio Goes Here

Metropolis International has built a global, cross-sectoral network of partners and experts. This includes members of our International Advisory Committee, as well as collaborators from various projects and professionals in the fields of migration, integration, inclusion, and diversity. Partners actively contribute to our growing network, participating in events and other initiatives.

Our network includes universities, think tanks, governments, service-providing agencies, and international organizations. This diverse composition strengthens our collaborative approach in bridging research, policy, and practice in the areas of migration and diversity.