Mayoral Panel 3: Governance as a catalyst: linking national-local level governance and the role of small and intermediary cities

About This Panel

In line with the principles of decentralization and localization, municipalities are frequently the first responders to migration and displacement. They take practical measures — from housing and social services to labour market integration — well ahead of national policy guidance. This panel examined the challenges faced by small and intermediary municipalities that host significant displaced populations, and explored how stronger linkages between central and local governance can improve outcomes for both host communities and newcomers.

The discussion highlighted real-world experiences from cities that have navigated rapid demographic change, offering insights into coordination mechanisms, resource constraints, and innovative local solutions.

Speakers

Antonio Rodríguez Osuna

Mayor of Mérida, Spain

Claudio Tomasi

UNDP Resident Representative, Turkey

Ali Haidar Khalifeh

Mayor of Al-Midan, Syria (in exile)

Álvaro Rodrigues

Mayor of Villamanrique de la Condesa, Spain

Fatma Şahin

Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey

Dinçer Orkan

Mayor of Sombor, Serbia

Key Themes

• Decentralization in practice: How municipalities exercise autonomy in migration response when national frameworks are still evolving.
• Small and intermediary cities: Unique pressures on mid-sized municipalities that lack the resources of major metropolitan areas yet host disproportionate numbers of displaced people.
• Central–local coordination: Models for aligning municipal action with national strategies, including funding streams, data sharing, and legal harmonization.
• Peer learning: Cross-border exchange among mayors and local officials facing similar challenges in different national contexts.