Report of the Symposium on Cities, Migration and Urban Integration
© 2025 EPFL
The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the Université Internationale de Rabat (UIR) successfully organized a hybrid international symposium on the theme "Cities, Migration, and Urban Integration."
This collaborative effort was part of the research project "Moroccan Cities and Migration," led by Jérôme Chenal and Nawal Benabdallah, PhD. The event brought together over 60 participants from 20 universities across 15 countries, fostering rich exchanges and paving the way for new collaborations in the fields of urban studies, migration, and integration.
December 18–20, 2024 | Copernic Room, EPFL
The roundtable focused on the spatial dynamics of urban migration, exploring the interactions between migratory flows, land-use planning, and the challenges of urbanization. The discussions provided new perspectives and actionable recommendations for better integrating migratory flows into urban policies.
The eight thematic sessions addressed a wide range of critical topics, including:
- Urban governance and migration policies
- Integration challenges in African urban areas
- Urban transformations and migratory dynamics in Morocco
- Strategies and trajectories for migrant adaptation
- Internal migration and urban planning in response to migratory flows
The closing session focused on innovations for migrant inclusion in urban areas, highlighting practical solutions, technological tools, and participatory approaches to promote sustainable integration.
A diverse array of academic and research institutions enriched the discussions, including:
- Switzerland: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Morocco: Université Internationale de Rabat, Université Mohammed V, Université Hassan II, Université Ibn Zohr, Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Université Ibn Tofail
- Africa: Université de Carthage (Tunisia), Université de Yaoundé 1 (Cameroon), Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Senegal), Université de Lomé (Togo), Université Alassane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire), Université Adam Barka d’Abéché (Chad), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO (Burkina Faso)
- France: Université Paris-Saclay
- Canada: Université de Montréal, Université du Québec, Université Laval
Key outcomes of the symposium included:
- Presentation of the results of the research project "Moroccan Cities and Migration"
- Highlighting innovative approaches to urban governance and migration management
- Laying the foundation for future collaborations and knowledge exchanges
This symposium provided a platform for insightful dialogue and collaborative innovation, addressing critical issues at the intersection of urbanization and migration.
Leading House MENA - University of Applied Sciences - HES-SO
