Cities Network for Integration (CNI)

About Us

The Cities Network for Integration (CNI)

The Cities Network for Integration (CNI) inspires its members to exchange and plan coordinated activities and interventions at local and national level, aimed at promoting social integration of migrants and refugees and strengthening social cohesion.

The CNI launched its operations in January 2018, based on a memorandum of understanding between the two largest Municipalities of Greece, Athens and Thessaloniki, paving the way for a common framework for cooperation.

At the initiative of Athens, since April 2020, the CNI is supported by IOM Greece  and UNHCR Greece on the basis of a trilateral cooperation with the City of Athens.

Based on the priorities set by the participating Municipalities, the two international organizations provide the necessary technical means to develop mechanisms and procedures that promote initiatives with long-term benefits for both host societies and refugee/ migrant populations.

Today, the Network consists of 28 Municipalities, with a total population of 2.957.185 inhabitants.

Member Municipalities: Athens, Thessaloniki, Chania, Delta, Heraklion, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Kalamaria, Karditsa, Katerini, Larissa, Livadeia, Neapoli – Sykies, Nea Filadelfeia / Nea Chalkidona, Piraeus, Tilos, Trikala, Tripoli, Agios Dimitrios.

The Cities Network has grown with the addition of 10 new members.

Information about the new city-members will be published soon.

 

CNI Needs Assessment: WHAT MUNICIPALITIES NEED - June 2020 (Infographic)
CNI in practice

The CNI operates as a living hub that enables the collection, processing and promotion of the needs of the Greek municipalities that seek to integrate refugees and migrants in their cities.

Collecting

Collects expertise, know-how and ideas, from its members and its partner network.

Connecting

Connects municipalities with each other and with other key actors to enable know-how exchange and collaboration.

Empowering

Plans and implements initiatives aimed at strengthening municipal structures and local communities.

Promoting change

Promotes institutional change at local, national, and international level through consultation & Empowers the voice of the municipalities by disseminating good integration practices.

Structure & Operation
Within the framework of the City Network for Integration, decisions are taken with the participation of all member municipalities, regardless of size, with the aim of equal representation.
01 COMMITTEE OF MAYORS

The political branch of the CNI consists of the Committee of Mayors, which consists of Mayors and Elected Representatives. The Committee of Mayors is responsible for setting the strategic priorities of the Network.

02 TECHNICAL FORUM & LOCAL WORKING GROUPS

The technical branch consists of the Technical Forum and the local Technical Working Groups, which contribute towards planning and implementing common initiatives. These groups include municipal staff with experience in the field of social integration of vulnerable groups.

03 COORDINATION TEAM

The CNI Coordination Team connects the member municipalities based on their needs and know-how, coordinates joint actions and promotes the achievement of the goals set by its members.

See the Operating Principles of CNI PDF
CNI in numbers

See below some significant numbers that represent the achievements of our network.

18
MUNICIPALITIES
116
SOCIAL SERVICES & PROGRAMS
17
GOOD PRACTICES