This report documents the fifth and final peer learning event organised through the CRRF: Inclusive Urban Development and Mobility – Regional Network and Dialogue Action, implemented by Cities Alliance and financed by the European Union Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF).
The Action supported eight secondary cities in four countries in the Horn of Africa to manage and integrate refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs). It also created a regional network to help the cities share experiences, strengthen policy development for greater social cohesion, and pilot approaches to refugee management and integration. To establish the network, the Action organised five learning events for the partner cities.
The final workshop was held in Koboko, Uganda in June 2023. Several sessions reflected on the Action’s initial achievements, which have been considerable. A European Union InfoPoint conference was live streamed to present the results to a global audience, and participants reflected on the outcomes at the international and local levels as well as their own personal experiences.
On an international level, the Action is helping improve the implementation of global agendas locally, highlighting the role of secondary cities in managing migration, and providing a model for other cities to replicate. At the city level, the Action has created concrete improvements in the lives of refugees, fostered inclusive participation, and provided a means for leveraging additional funding.
Partner cities had the opportunity to see first-hand the Action’s work in Koboko, which was recognised with the City and Mobility Award for its inclusive approach to managing migration and integrating refugees.
The learning event also featured discussion of next steps for the regional cities network established through the Action, with guidelines provided by a strategy and action plan developed by the cities.
